Jazz:Now
10-13 September
The Studio
Sydney Opera House
Our annual snapshot of the best in contemporary jazz returns over four nights.
A hand picked selection of Australia's finest musicians will be joined by special guest, ECM recording artist and US piano genius Marilyn Crispell, in her highly anticipated first tour of Australia.
WED 10 SEPT: Sam Keevers Quintet,
Mark Isaacs, Andy Fiddes Trio
THUS 11 SEPT: Marilyn Crispell (USA),
Jackson Harrison Trio
FRI 12 SEPT: Stu Hunter Experiment
Andrew Robson/John Pochee Duo,
The Alcohotlicks
SAT 13 SEPT: Marilyn Crispell Trio (USA),
Informal Troupe
1. Whisper
2. Eden's Story
3. Intro
4. The Journey
5. Propitiation
6. Duet For Tenor Sax and Double Bass
7. Expectantly Waiting For You
8. Highland Cathedral
Listen to Whisper:
Listen to Eden's Story:
Listen to The Journey:
Richard Maegraith - Sax
Kristin Berardi - Voice
Gary Daley - Keys and Accordian
Jonathan Zwartz - Bass
Tim Firth - Drums
The opening of this unusual disc seems to promise breezy French movie jazz (a genre I perversely enjoy). There is wordless unison voice and even a piano accordion. Things change rapidly. Many tracks have brilliant vocals (with lyrics) by Kristin Berardi.
They are love songs but clues tell me the loved one is a symbol of Christ, in the Renaissance tradition. One clue is that Richard Maegraith is a committed Christian. One song is for Berardi's baby. Maegraith is also a superb tenor saxophonist, with a handsome tone and powerful expressiveness. As the disc progresses, his solos become more and more remarkable. Jonathan Zwartz's bass is a powerful element.
This is not happy clappy but serious, sometimes disturbing. Now you're in the know, you may even contemplate the idea of original sin in Eden's Story.
More Info:
Communication – that is the essence of the sounds we hear on Free Running. What this album communicates is the joy of communication itself – friends who are prepared to listen and contribute to a musical dialogue which ebbs and flows with its own shape. When I listen I have the simultaneous pleasure of hearing beautiful sounds and hearing the individual musical voices of my friends exploring, creating, and sharing something together. Now we can all share in it too.
For me, when I hear this music, I hear musical voices and personalities conversing on the compositions Richard has brought to the table. All of the musicians are known to me in various ways and I have the utmost respect for them. Jonathan Zwartz has always combined a deep groove with natural lyricism which you can hear throughout this recording. Gary Daley brings his skills on accordion and fender Rhodes to this session contributing powerful solos and ensemble playing which is always alert to what is going on around him. Tim Firth in his few years on the scene has established himself as a drummer who is simultaneously powerful and tasteful. Kristen Berardi has been making international waves for a few years now – her ease of delivery and her attention to the detail of the singers craft always at the service of musical expression.
From the liner notes by Matt McMahon
JGR042 Richard Maegraith Band - Free Running
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