I got to the National Press Club especially for Mike Price, given he was a major member of the local jazz scene a few years back but he's been off in Qld for some time. In Cairns for 8 years, he told me. But then I realised Nick was a Canberran who'd returned after years in Macau and Chris had been a decade or so in Cyprus (?) so they are all returnees. Fascinating. As was their playing. The NPC gig is pretty relaxed, but there was plenty of controlled energy in this one. Mike's clean, swift, chordal styled guitar moving through various dissonances and chromaticisms but also just telling the harmony as it is, or spelling the lovely melody of some standard. They were standards, played comfortably up-tempo, with solos for all, fours for Nick, often with a tagged ending for a little more guitar solo. All nice. Clean, capable, certain jazz, guitarist styled. Is there bebop here? It doesn't quite feel it but maybe it just doesn't sound it without a horn. Certainly the lines and improvs were bop-styled. Whatever, this was wonderfully capable and expressive. Chris' bass was a lesson for me, up or across the neck, quick and broken syncopated lines over walks, nice thumb positions playing and a fairly common but effective hand formation that I must revisit. Nick's drums are the essence of stable, but can explode given half a chance. Mike was deceptively clean and correct, more tone than improv, revealing for me far more depth and adventurousness with my eyes closed. The presence was standard jazz club with Mike calling a tune and Chris grabbing for his iReal Pro or similar: casual presence and serious performance (or maybe causal performance with serious preparation). As I like it. Travel has done us all good.
Mike Price (guitar) led a trio with Chris Pound (bass) and Nick McBride (drums) at the National Press Club.
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