Whats happening at Bennetts??!!!!

[tooter]

So maybe by now some of you have heard the rumors:
1) Mr Tortoni asked a certain aussie band ,that was playing before a certain young italian saxophonist, if they could play more standards.....and he had not even heard them play!
2) The same gentleman (he, of the cover of the Age A2 a few weekends ago) referred to melbourne jazz musos as "ankle biters"

Now we could all have a laugh about this, but seriously.......I am surprised that Michael didn't put himself up for nomination as the new pope. Maybe he would have had trouble getting the priests to pay $4 for holy water. Michael.....get your shit together!!!!

[God]

Whoah .. where is the evidence of this, or is it just hear- say? Did Michael tell them or just suggest? Were you there when he said it?

Michael has his faults, we all do e.g. I created Canberra.

Tortoni deserves credit for sustaining a 7 day per week jazz club through some extremely lean times. Bars in Melbourne can't turn a profit unless they get a decent amount of punters who spend at least 30 dollars each on drinks to sustain running expenses, insurance, payroll, promotion, electricity, rates etc.

Jazz fans don't spend big on alcohol, they often sit on one drink for ages or just have a coffee. How many times have we all been to Bennetts over the years during the week with 20 or less people in the room, and half are drinking tap water?

If there was no Bennetts there would not be the jazz scene in Melbourne that there is. Time to show some respect where it's due to Michael and his team of hard workers please.

If you have a problem with the way things are run it is best to take it to the source rather than spread inflamatory rumours anon. with no hard evidence to back it up.

[julio]

I have to confirm that Michael of the lane DID ask the certain young pianist in question if he would forgo his beautiful original compositions, written for this event, to play more standards. He also rang him a few hours before Friday nights gig to tell him that he wouldn't be able to allow a planned recording to go ahead because there would be too many people there?!?!?!?!?!?!!!!!!
As it stood the recording went ahead (after a few stressful hours) and the fine international musicians who played later were very happy to end up with an unplanned, free recording of their performance as well. The large crowd were all incredibly respectful of the fact that the band were recording.
I overheard that the early Bennetts gig on Saturday night was in one reviewers TOP3 of the festival. Such a shame local music of this quality and integrity wasn't included in the advertising (apparently because it clashed with the Forum concerts). Also a shame it won't get a rating in the papers because the space is reserved for "positive responses to Italian performances". Im sure many of them had great elements, but lets keep the journalism real and fair enough to say that the programming wasn't either of those things.
So God is on Michaels side. Ahhhh, things are starting to make sense. Im sure only the cardinals would get holy water for $4, and only during mass, regular priests no doubt would have to pay full price.
God, the rumours are true, and respect is a two way street. His team do work hard and respect is due to them for their efforts in trying to take care of both overly-sensitive sides of the street. This "ankle biter" after working spasmodically there for 12 years found out recently that the staff had been instructed to not let him run a tab while working. I have always paid my tab. It it seems like Im bitter its because, at the moment, I am. Excuse me if Im bringing anyone down.
Dear God, sorry my prayer is so long. You're right of course, I should take this to the source, bypass you and go straight to the top. The hard evidence is both hard to believe and hard to swallow.
I'll try to come here in a better frame of mind next time.

I guess the reality is folks, its his club, he can do whatever the hell he likes there. It wouldn't be quite the same without the musicians who create the atmosphere though.

[Kenny]

Guest-julio said:

I overheard that the early Bennetts gig on Saturday night was in one reviewers TOP3 of the festival.

Hell, you must've been more pissed than I was! What I actually said woz that it was my No.1 highlight for the festival.

And despite what all the hanging-out musicians at the Hyatt were saying about the Saturday night Shorter being heaps better than Friday, I have absolutely no regrets about going to Bennetts and catching Aaron and crew. Beautiful tunes - deceptively simple yet full of heart and love and soul.

The first set seemed more structured; the second looser with ample room for long (wonderful) solos. Craig Fermanis, filling in for Geoff Hughes, was a star in that regard.

Honestly, this was a gem - just made me feel all gooey and smiley.

I'm eagerly awaiting a recording of these pieces!

(Place, while a fine listen, can now be seen as a somewhat understated debut for an amazing talent.)

[God]

I never said I was on 'Michael's side'. I am on the side of credit where it's due Julio big man (your solos are just getting better and better by the way)

Truth, justice and the Australian way

I said MT has his faults too, as we all do but now I'm repeating myself...

...it repeats and repeats in my ear
don't you know you fool
the musos are brill!
use all your energy
to spread positivity
each time Bennetts stinks
just think to yerself, you can STOP!
before you begin
coz we've got jazz,
under our skin
and we like jazz
under our skin

and our energy is better spent elsewhere, like practicing playing or going to the Tent to support the 98 hours people

apologies to one of my better creations Mr Cole Porter