random thoughts and comments from nomadic music film and travel junkie - seeks no recognition, claims no expertise

Saturday, 1 November 2008

impressions trio














saturday afternoon at the wangaratta jazz festival
the day starting with a wander off to a side-stage for a gentle start-up
ted vining (drums) is a stalwart of the melbourne/australian jazz scene
i'd seen him previously a couple of years back fronting a serious noise-making combo
memories of a bunch of musicians going randomly hell for leather
probably my first experience of such chaotic live improvisation
and something i now tend to search out and embrace
but today the program's write-up promises something more laid-back
the impressions trio is part 2 of the apparantly legendary ted vining trio
bob sedergreen still at it tickling the ivories - they have played together since 1969
their long-time bass-player (barry buckley) passed away in 2006
his place now being taken by melbournian michael meagher
sure enough the opening tune was gentle, melodic and easy on the ear
those in the crowd sipping on the local wine seemed well pleased
lots of smiles also on stage with the band obviously enjoying the moment
ted vining at centre stage dominates both visually and aurally
nothing too flashy but a solid drumming performance is provided
he seems well happy to be on stage with his old mate stage left
bob sedergreen also content to enjoy the moment and just play
lots of melody, chords, foot-tapping, wine-drinking and smiling
meanwhile stage right is michael meagher laying in the rhythm
looking completely at home with these 2 older jazz proponents
there's a few words from ted and bob at various times
mostly in praise of their newest member whilst mentioning he who is r.i.p.
i suspect the majority of the material was original and even familiar
a very solid mix of piano based up-beat melodic jazz music
the audience lapped it up while i was happy to kick back and relax
a hour long set in the middle and start of a long musical day
nice one - impressions trio - an appropriate name