“My name is Kamasi Washington and we’re the next step,” stated the bandleader. A declaration, true, but one presented simply as the way it is, with the screeches of James Brown’s ‘Get Up Offa That Thing’ still fading from the … Continue reading Kamasi Washington – Hamer Hall (8/10/2019)
Even when it was together it was falling apart. Marshall Allen dropped his arm and the horns landed in unison on command, the dual alto, tenor and baritone saxes, the trombone and two trumpets creating a sound that was at … Continue reading Sun Ra Arkestra – Melbourne Recital Centre, Melbourne (06/05/2018)
The Croxton Bandroom was in seated ‘theatre’ mode this evening, arranged thus for the believers who had come to bear witness to a living legend. Roy Ayers holds a unique position in music, having achieved mainstream success in the late … Continue reading Roy Ayers – The Croxton Bandroom, Melbourne (09/04/17)
Having been performing professionally since his teenage years in the 1950’s, Eddie Palmieri strolled onstage waving, seemingly at ease. He began with a beautiful solo piano jazz piece titled Life, which was dedicated to his late wife. Better known for … Continue reading Eddie Palmieri Latin Jazz Septet – Hamer Hall, Melbourne (10/06/2016)
There is no better place to see a small jazz combo than in a dimly lit club. It’s a purpose built match that conjures up all the smoky allure of history’s great players and the stages that served them. There … Continue reading Robert Glasper Trio – Bennetts Lane Jazz Club, Melbourne (05/06/16)
The name Snarky Puppy may not exactly be household, but the Brooklyn-based instrumental act has amassed an extremely loyal and worldwide following over past 13 years. With two Grammys under their belt and sold out theatres littering their itinerary, bandleader … Continue reading Interview: Snarky Puppy
“Schillinger was a Russian scientist – he wrote 12 books in two big volumes that start with the theory of rhythm and pitch scales. It takes you to a whole other world because music makes you feel that it’s alive, … Continue reading Interview: Eddie Palmieri
Despite the success of Kamasi Washington’s The Epic and his high profile collaborations, it was still surprising to be greeted by a long entry line and a packed-to-the gills Prince Bandroom. Old jazz heads commingled with younger fans, the mood; … Continue reading Kamasi Washington – The Prince Bandroom, Melbourne (22/03/2016)
Despite his size and trademark ninja vest, strapped loosely over a lumberjack flannel, Thundercat cuts an unassuming figure. Touring as a trio with acclaimed jazz drummer Justin Brown and keyboardist Dennis Hamm, the cat otherwise known as Stephen Bruner donned … Continue reading Thundercat – Max Watt’s, Melbourne (11/02/2016)
Jazz-pop scuzz-ninjas Mangelwurzel have delivered the goods with Gary, their debut album. The Melbourne sextet’s energetic shows, which are a happy mixture of brash, confrontational charisma, joyous abandon and some serious chops, are a sight to behold and have ensured … Continue reading Mangelwurzel – Gary (2016 LP)
In a Spanish hotel room, Ken Stewart is becoming increasingly nervous. It’s Sunday morning and, while chatting down the line to Beat, he awaits approval of the necessary visas for his band, The Skatalites, to enter New Zealand in two … Continue reading Interview: The Skatalites
It is not going to be possible to construct a review of tonight’s show at The Melbourne Town Hall without gushing, and so I only hope that by the end of this article you will understand the reasons why. Someone … Continue reading Sonny Rollins – Melbourne International Jazz Festival, The Melbourne Town Hall, Melbourne (06/06/2011)
words by watts 