now this one came up on me very quickly
i was sure that i was going to go and see a film
but i had this niggling feeling i had made a promise to myself
not to go and see any more war movies no matter the recommendation
and so it came down to a choice between a war and dead people
and a concert with very much alive people
fluked a seat left of stage looking directly on to mark isaacs on piano
so i felt reassured that i had made the correct choice
had an equally excellent view of the rest of the band
matt keegan on clarinet and saxophone
brett hirst on standup bass
tim firth on drums and percussion
james muller on guitar
young jazz guns ready to fire
i only know of this man by reputation
though i think i own a series of cd's titled air/water/fire/earth
released in the 1980's by a mark isaacs
who i had assumed then was an overseas performer
need to dig them out and check the connection, or not
the band started and my immediate reaction
was that of a very well rehearsed outfit
in the first tune there was amazingly tight harmonisizing
between piano, saxophone, guitar and bass
at times each playing the same line of music in perfect unison
that became a feature of the whole set
one member would be off doing impressive solos supported by the band
or 2, 3 or 4 members would be doing the harmonising thing
they really were that loose and tight as required
it was a pleasure to watch a composer pianist at work
none of the material felt familiar which i think is a good thing
at times there seemed to be a slight eastern feel to it
at other times we were heading into blues territory
and then with the electric guitar at full voice we were in rock mode
mark introduced each tune with grace and humour
and a very obvious reverence to his fellow musicians
one tune introduced was titled you never forget love
or as he stated it could be you never forget, love
or as he said in most of our cases (maledom i think he meant)
you always forget, love
this one started so quietly even though 5 musicians were playing
and the audience was so engrossed and going with the music
that i'm sure i could hear the candles on the tables fluttering
now that seems highly unlikely but that's how in control they were
it doesn't seem right to single out anyone for special mention
but now i understand why mark isaacs is held in such regard
he writes, arranges, plays, and leads exceptional music
he was all over his keyboard when in solo mode
hands crossed, sliding up and down, or staccato like at times
his time in the spotlight was limited but put to great use
each other musician similarly performed standout solos
matt keegan was superb and at one point
reminded me very satisfyingly of kenny garrett
in some footage i have seen of him with miles davis
james muller on electric guitar was also superb
if desired he could out-solo any guitar axe in any rock band
but additionally add the textures required in this top jazz band
the rhythm department of hirst and firth shone when invited
but mostly provided the essentials for the others to work with
there was a full and very enthusiastic house tonight
mark explained they are about to go on tour
first up to queensland for their annual music festival
then across to asia for a tour of major cities
they are going to love them over there
jazz stars in the making
good luck to them i say
