another visit to the sound lounge on a friday night
this combination promising for a fine night of music
matt mcmahon seen recently at the piano fund-raiser night
then displaying charm, dignity and superb keyboard skills
his sense of melody and deftness making a highlight of that night
i'd last seen guy strazz at wangaratta several years ago
then fronting a large ensemble playing brazilian infused jazz
his role as leader and lead (acoustic) guitarist
so tonight it's a rarely seen piano and guitar duo
launching their latest cd collaboration titled 2 @ 1
quite a decent sized audience in attendance as i showed up
again pushing my luck with a front row seat
yet another single while male jazz fan at a table
with a single empty seat with my name on it
smack bang in front of where guy strazz would be seated
seems going solo to such shows has it's own rewards
the band are introduced and go about their business
matt mcmahon stage left tinkering on the yamaha c7
guy strazz seated centre stage caressing a nylon-stringed acoustic
the first tune brings with it a confirmation of what is hoped for
some lovely harmonising between piano and guitar
a quite beautiful and melodic piece very easy on the ear
mr strazz quite easily demonstating his latin influences
mr mcmahon complementing that with his gentle playing
the interplay such that it is clear that this is not improv
or at least the impression given is of well rehearsed tunes
at tune's end matt mcmahon is as always the dignified host
giving thanks and acknowledgment to the audience
providing brief but interesting information about the tune
and so the pattern was set for the night's entertainment
many tunes played and presumably mostly from the new cd
each tune played confidently and expertly by each musician
a fine balance so that each instrument playing off the other
providing for these ears a new and rich sound experience
the nylon strings resonating superbly with the piano
assisted in no small part by the camraderie of the musicians
guy strazz taking the microphone on one occasion to mention this
telling us that he considers matt mcmahon his musical brother
and confirming for me that this duo is quite special
the end of the performance bringing rousing applause
i hope they sell lots of cds and their journey continues
another outstanding combination of musicians
with a unique sound that would appeal to many
hopefully they will be back real soon now
