back to the bohemian grove for another sunday night of musical bliss
though unfortunately only another 7 people searching out musical manna
maybe there's something good on tv or something - or else i've been mislead
i'd read the mid-week email which in a twisted way promised something special
there's 550 of us on this email list so it's a bit odd that we only have 1.5% conversion
a pre-show chat with the host confirming his disappointment with the numbers
but then again not too surprised with the numbers at live music these days
this outfit is built around the 2 main composers and collaborators
david reaston on nylon-stringed semi-acoustic guitar
his foil martin kay on alto saxophone and m c duties
they have also 2 of the finest around to fill out the rhythm section
brendan clarke on bass - last seen with the latest international on these shores
dave goodman (professor) taking time out from lecturing to play drums
the first number confirming that this indeed will be a fine night of music
reason and kay immediately into some very precise sax/guitar harmonies
sheet music stands also indicating that their preference is structure
the rhythm section as solid as you could wish for filling out the sound
looking for points of difference as i usually do it's stage right the eyes go
over there david reaston is a bit drowned out but making some great music
there are some fine jazz guitarists around and he seems to be up there
nothing too flashy as he concentrates on delivering every note precisely
his choice of instrument producing a very warm and lyrical sound
when martin kay takes centre stage he also demonstrates great skill
his alto saxophone playing is also new to these eyes and ears
another case of another very skilled musician on the sydney scene
he knows his instrument very well and confidently pulls all sorts of sounds
a favourite being that kind of duck quack sound i've heard before
also a gentle whisper-blow into the sax to make the subtlest of sounds
and everything else in-between - some superb playing from the man
he also does the decent thing and thanks the small audience for being there
takes the time to explain the source of the material - with humour
i assume all the material is original - there's reference to a cd on release
every tune seems significantly different from every other - is good
the thing that struck me about this band was firstly the material
each tune standing on it's own and played with confidence
every musician contributing significantly to the overall sound
in one tune in particular there were 4 sets of hands in unison
each musician using their instrument to sound like each other
hard to explain but a pleasure to experience - you had to be there
likewise with another moment of brilliance coming from dave goodman
such an accomplished player he segued into a drum solo seamlessly
had me taken in long before i noticed he was the only one playing
which i think says something for his highly developed skills
(or possibly my zoning out of the music but i think not)
one thing i always enjoy with live music is checking the on-stage mood
here tonight there is a great camaraderie amongst the musicians
a sense of respect and admiration going in all directions
so again i'm left thinking we the audience have let them down again
though by the end of the second set there were about 15 of us lapping it up
all of us making as much noise as possible as they downed instruments
i'm now fearing for the future of this fine sunday night venue
gotta go out there and get some more people along
...if they only knew what they are missing
