John Patitucci Master Class

[ozzjaz]

So should we expect to see rb in concert wtih 10 italians next year? Must admit it is a strange concept.

[Kenny]

robburke said:

3. I think critiics are very important and the ones here in Australia are very supportive - I think there needs to be discussion on what should be make a a good 'jazz' critic. I would like to see more in depth anysis of the music. eg Australian musical identity just for starters. ( this could be big)

I think about this quite often, and it's sometimes brought up on the other boards I frequent, and was even raised on the earlier incarnation of this forum.

But any attempt I, or others for that matter, have made to address such issues have been brief and fumbling at best.

It's a very elusive thing, and trying to find the right words makes me a little nutty.

But let's take, just as an example at random, the following recordings:

Mike Nock - Live
Rob Burke on Jazzhead
Paul Williamson (trumpet model) on Newmarket
Andrea Keller Quartet, plus presumably her new one.
The Toy Band
Murphy's Law
Mark Isaacs - Closer
Assumptions Trio
Sam Keevers/Jamie Oehlers - Grace
Way Out West
Bernie McGann - Bundeena

Well, despite there being quite a range of sounds and approaches in there, it seems to me that all those releases share a common, very real yet intangible bond - a freshness and slightly warped approach - that makes them uniquely Australian.

Putting aside the more experimental side of Australian improvised music, which I often enjoy but equally often find perplexing, it is this "Australianess" that I find so beguiling about the above named performers and many more.

Using, in many cases, familiar forms and configurations, yet creating music so, so different from that coming of NY and elsewhere. It's almost like there's something alchemical in the air and the sun and the rain that makes this so.

Whatever this is, I know my San Diego pal James, who these days boasts quite a hefty Australian collection, feels it, too, although like me he is reduced to stumbling when he atteempts to define it.

And as ever, I find it incredibly frustrating that the likes of Murphy's Law, which I have been enjoying this week, would - if released on the likes of Palmetto or Fresh Sounds - be generating all sorts of rave reviews and so on overseas.

And, of course, I hear quite a few highly regarded albums from "over there" that sound drab and unimaginative when compared to Australian releases.

But then again, I've got a heap of form and baggage in that regard!

(So is Carey forgiven or what?)

[robburke]

Wayne Carey - the next coach of the Roos - What do you think birthday boy!! (AJ) Now thats culture!

[robburke]

ozzjaz said:

So should we expect to see rb in concert wtih 10 italians next year? Must admit it is a strange concept.

If Australian's are going to culturally benefit from the Umbria fest - then I believe there should be intergration! It probably wont be me but I will be pushing the concept.

[God]

I remember the good old days, when touring foreign musicians in Australia, the promoter had to hire an equal number of Australian musicians for the same bill. Love ot see UJIM06 do this or to see an equal number of Aussies at Umbria in Italy. Bring back the Unions.

[DJ ulio]

I thought Wayne Carey was with the CROWS now....Carey Roots Our Wives Soon...CROWS

Also I heard the Board of the UJM was no more....just Un-Al-Bare-able on his own. You know the guy, Al Bare as in "there is no jazz but my jazz".
On anther note, does anyone know if AlBare will be receiving royalties from DIG's new album since he invented the style of music that they obviously blatantly stole from him???

[robburke]

Albare is now the only board member but he will have an advisary board - basically running the way it was before but the board members aren't financially libel.

[vickihb2]

Why does Albare spell his name like that?

Surely it is spelt Albert?