for about the 3rd or 4th or 5th time in the last year or so
but like a few other bands, events and occasions in this life
not to be missed unless physically impossible to be there
tonight it's back to the sound lounge for part 1 of a stellar weekend
the last one was 2 nights of incredible new-to-these-ears music
this one sees live on stage 2 acts now seen with commitment
but true to life tonight's first lesson is don't assume anything
walking in well early to secure a good seat and sound-check is on
but uh-oh no john pochee on drums and a young dave goodman instead
and to add to the concerns is dale barlow tuning up not bob bertles
musically not a problem - comically is the main concern
for it is mr pochee that leads this group especially as m c
as the music starts such concerns dissipate with the familiar
the constant 8 of the 10 part group all in familiar territory and into it
tossing the musical ball around as they all take a lead at some point
at the end of this tune ken james steps forward and assumes mc role
announces the tune as their usual warm-up set and does the welcomes
he also has a fine sense of humour so it's best wishes for john pochee and on with it
this band is carrying forward the legacy of deceased pianist roger frampton
a couple of his pieces - jazznost and the longest journey played in sequence
both composed during a tour of eastern europe so the mood to match
every time i see 10 part invention i am in awe of their connection
i believe that they do not (can not) rehearse their material endlessly
but after 20 years of playing there must be a sense of understanding
allowing familiar pieces to be played with known reference points
but all around that all sorts of different things happen with each play of each tune
tonight there's the need to count in or otherwise assist the new chaps in the band
dale barlow hardly needs any tuition but it's him that gets the most assistance
dave goodman on the drums mostly playing as though he's been there from day 1
then there is the manner in which solos are given, taken and absorbed
james greening on trombone in particular fine musical and comical form tonight
he gets to solo in one tune leading eventually to all other players stopping
his playing also winding down to an almost whisper/talk from his instrument
but at the same time the tune is hanging in the air waiting for resurrection
and sure enough at some magically appointed moment the band kicks in again
a rousing return to the tune with loud and enthusiastic applause to match
bringing to mind that this band is tight with control but loose with delivery
loose allowing the freedom for individual players to be as into it as they want
tight meaning the music never gets lost or wanders off into improvisation
every tune thoroughly composed and requiring regular reference to sheet music
sandy evans and miroslav bukovsky again referenced as the main composers
she in her usual excellent form on tenor sax, he giving all on trumpet or flugglehorn
in typical don't-assume-anything style though another surprise at the end
blues for clanceye has always been the big closer and a favourite tune of mine
but not tonight - they have decided to haul out another piece new to these ears
ken james introduces the tune written by miroslav bukovsky in 1988
after witnessing the tall ships in the bi-centennial celebrations
coming up sydney harbour adorned with coke sponsorship
and so it is that welcome to captain coke is introduced and then played
2 members of the band featured playing drumsticks in aboriginal style
and then dale barlow on his baritone sax using circular breathing to great effect
invoking a rich deep sound in a very reverential manner like the sound of a didgeridoo
the rest of the band then joining in to play a very sombre but moving piece of music
leaving no doubt as to the intent of the tune as a reminder of an event 200 years ago
piano, double bass and brass all used most effectively to add to the mood
and then an ending to match the beginning with the didgeridoo sax sound
back with the sticks and then a few moments of absolute silence
a stunned audience before wild applause breaks out for the band
sigh...another performance by ten part invention over
but there's a couple coming up in april
featuring one andrea keller
aria-award winning pianist
...and the band plays on
