Canb Jazz Fest 3

Day 1 was great if interrupted; day 2 will be the same.  First up a big band, the ANU Jazz Orchestra.  They played a string of tunes, maybe uptempo because MD Con Campbell observed that they'd finished early.  SO be it.  This was big, fat, horn heavy tones, solos passed around variously, some decent grooves.  They played 9 tunes, several by Sammy Nestico including Dvorak's theme which is an arrangement by SN of the Largo second mvt. from the new World Symphony.  But my fave was sponsored by a local for this band from composer Jenna Cave who appears in CJ frequently when studying at ANUSOM and last time I heard, was MD for her own jazz orchestra in Sydney.  What gives you hope was a lovely, rich piece with glorious harmonies rather than the sharp hits of many big band tunes, luscious harmonies and several movements.  Then a short quick drop-in to hear the Razzlers.  Dance worthy, period jazz that I know little of, but worthy. They had a few couples up on their feet and a very impressive presence!   Then Wayne Kelly with Ben and Mark in the bar upstairs.  Then Wayne Kelly with Ben and Mark in the bar upstairs.  This is the very trio that CJ first wrote up, in October 2005.  They look younger in that pic.  But what a band!  All originals, compositions from all members, sharp and beautifully played, mature and expressive all round, pizz and bow, sticks and brushes, plenty of excellent solos, rich in tones and harmonies and well arranged.  I noticed a post on FB with a pic of them in the ArtSound studio, I think 3 days before, so maybe this is a new album in train.  If so, it will be worthy!  Just one standard, I'm old fashioned.  Then Mereki Leten.  I've seen Mereki in various combinations in a few locations.  She's one to get out for the gig and that's great, and very often with Michael Larsen-Collins and sometimes with Greg Stott at her side.  This time that trio was grown with Gus Henderson.  Mereki had written a tune for this event and it was nice but her flute was playing up.  Thus played on tenor sax and with key change for her offsiders, but it went perfectly well.  Otherwise, a David Bowie tune on   flute, a lovely Stan Getz Sunshower, Nicola Conte and some standards.  Mereki plays with a lovely tone and confident although understated melody.  Nice.  Gus was also understated but took a solo or two and Michael was on a Bass VI, the Fender-designed octave-dropped guitar.  The Bass VI is having a run in town with Lachlan playing quite expertly, in Wanderlust and beyond.  And Greg, shredding here even beyond what I'd expected.  Just relaxed but expressive, quick and melodic.  What's not to like?  And a quick touch of Matthew Dennett and Robbie Mann playing CM Widor Toccata in F on two pianos in the Red Room.  I only caught a few minutes and really quite unexpected.  Then off for another family matter before a final return...

The ANU Jazz Orchestra performed under Con Campbell (MD, conductor).  Wayne Kelly (piano) performed with Ben O'Loughlin (bass) and Mark Sutton (drums).  Mereki Leten (tenor, flute) performed with Greg Stott (guitar), Michael Larsen-Collins (bass) and Gus Henderson (drums).  Matthew Dennett (piano) performed with Robbie Mann (e-piano).  They performed at the inaugural Canberra Jazz Festival at Smiths.