Then a return to a few jams, the Gypsy Jazz Project in the upstairs bar playing entertaining, inviting music. Anthony Irving was playing his very capable bass. I got a go for a few tunes that weren't even in my iReal Pro. The bass was Smiths' house bass, a bit heavy after my setup, but I managed a few tunes with much enjoyment. Then off to the Red Room (AKA McGregor Hall) for formal jazz jam. Lachlan on bass with his Bass VI, Aine singing, Mitch drums... Then downstairs for Vince Jones second set. Another diverse jazz experience! Quiet, pensive, thoughtful, purposeful lyrics. Vince asked us to be quiet, and the atmosphere fitted the thoughtful nature of it all. Matt McMahon, James Hauptman, Brett Hirst, all strong and beautiful and tight and subdued, except a little more demonstrative when John Mackey took some solos, but that's John. Interestingly, Vince called some collective improvs with John and that worked nicely too, if birds of slightly different feathers. But John is a listener too. I admired Vince for his concerns, if a little more natural than mine, and his paired peace signs to end the set. And his story and revisit to Gil Scott Heron. And his detailed, improvisatory style of singing. The revolution will not be televised, but it may make Smiths Alt. on a good day. Which brings me to the audience. Mature, smart, varied, friendly, intelligent, but this is a jazz crowd and this is Canberra so no particular surprise. I even got a story out of it related to Parliament, a journo, but that's for gossip not for a website.
Vince Jones (vocals, flugelhorn) performed with John Mackey (tenor), Matt McMahon (piano), Brett Hirst (bass) and James Hauptman (drums). They performed at the inaugural Canberra Jazz Festival at Smiths.
No comments:
Post a Comment