The Alastair Kerr Quartet

[alimcg]

The Melbourne Jazz Co-op presents the Alastair Kerr Quartet at Bennetts Lane, Tuesday August 17, 9pm.

With Marc Hannaford (pno), Sam Zerna (bs) and Pat Thiele (tpt), the Quartet will soon be releasing their debut album (recorded live at Bennetts Lane in late-'09), with the album launch at Uptown Jazz Cafe on Tuesday October 5.

Also, stay tuned for some very exciting gig news.
www.myspace.com/alastairkerrquartet
www.mjc.org.au


The Alastair Kerr Quartet is the latest project from this drummer/composer - a distinctly Australian sound, but clearly influenced by a love of Brazilian and Cuban music. The group’s sound combines a quirky harmonic sense and high level of group interaction; underpinned by the responsive rhythm section of Kerr and Sam Zerna (bass), while Marc Hannaford’s energetic and highly rhythmic work on piano spurs trumpeter Pat Thiele in his improvisations – alternatively angular and cascading – in a band that uses delicacy and space in equal measure with intense, driving grooves. The group recently recorded a live album, to be released in 2010.

“This was a performance that felt different from the start, not only because of the modern jazz, but an underlying mischievous humour... How pleasant also to see such a range of original music, with curiously humorous titles, played by the composers and each member of the quartet understanding what the composer wanted out of each piece.” - Hector Beveridge, Launceston Jazz Club.

[alimcg]

And we'll be supporting Chucho Valdes at the Recital Centre on September 3!

www.melbournerecital.com.au/whatson/buytix?perfid=1351

[jeremy]

was a fun gig - I liked the bunny tune

[alimcg]

Cheers.

You know, Ethan's still welcome to borrow my 9" piano if you want.

[aj]

enough with the double entendres!

[alimcg]

piano, not pianist!

[aj]

Good set last night!

[alimcg]

Thanks aj.

I gotta say, the highlight of my night was hearing that a guy in the front row walked out on our set because we were "too loud"!!! Gold. Pretty sure he didn't come back for Chucho's set either.

And as for "too loud", I thought the on-stage sound there was excellent. I obviously can't comment on the front-of-house sound, but the on-stage sound was fantastic for a hall that size.

[aj]

Yeah, I was worried the hall wouldn't work, for Chucho's band in particular. It got a little dense during their set, but on the whole was pretty good....and was really good for your quartet.

[alimcg]

The Alastair Kerr Quartet will be launching our debut album at the Uptown Jazz Cafe on Tuesday October 5.

[isaacs]

Congratulations and hope it's a great night!

[alimcg]

Thanks Mark.

You can now buy the CD at a few stores around Melbourne, including Thomas, Discurio, Brunswick Bound and Missing Link.

[alimcg]

Now on sale in Polyester (Fitzroy) and Readings (Carlton). It should be in the TITLE stores soon (and don't forget, 10% discount at TITLE for Co-op members).

[alimcg]

Last gig of January residency, this Saturday (29th) at Open Studio. 204 High St, Northcote. Music from 5pm, with special (or should I say very special?) guest Sam Pankhurst on bass.

[alimcg]

So much happening over here...maybe I'll plug some gigs...

March 9 - Jazz Vibe, Fitzroy www.jazzvibe.com.au

March 26 - The Alley Cat, North Hobart

March 29 - Launceston Jazz Club at the Royal Oak

All with Marc Hannaford, Sam Zerna and Pat Thiele.