gerard masters trio

tonight was meant to be a trip on ze train
into the night to the current place of domicile
but oops connecting services letting me down
and so a 45 minute wait at central station - pass
wander up the road to the surry hills best indian
but oops an ammonia soaked floor too much to bear
a desperate owner literally chasing me for my business
the familiar next door foyer some respite from him
so music beats food - press the buzzer for admittance
into the graffitti infested foyer - into the lift and up we go
pay the $10 down and wander in as carl dewhurst winds up
but the place is packed - this place is definitely tres fashionable
it's dark, dank, and tippy-toey through the floor-dwelling throngs
but wait - spot the gap - a space on one of the few lounges here
'scuse me - do you mind if i sit down here - sure mate - go for it
at times like this i do appreciate the concept of twist-tops
scrounge a plastic cup and pour forth el cheapo red wine
survey the scene and plan an escape real soon now
between me and the band is a solid concrete column
totally blocking out one third of the trio now performing
but there's a direct view of main man gerard masters on piano
over on the right is evan mannell in charge of drums and percussion
behind the column is our host and bass-player cameron undy
me - convinced myself i have that gerard masters can't cut it
this based on one experience of a less than convincing show
an outfit at the time to me over-confident and under-rehearsed
so - sniff - i'm only here through a combination of circumstances
and sure enough the opening tunes not compelling in any way
the crowd showing indifference with many conversations also under way
try as i might i just can't invoke the required evil stares to shut 'em up
so yep i'm thinking the rarely used eject button may be required
after all - it's monday night - a train is waiting - should move on
but - but - but - gerard masters it seems has an intent to inform
and a mutual disdain for those that insist in blah, blah, blah
his barbed comments appropriate but most likely lost on 'em
so ok - i'm now with him and willing him on despite the crowd
the opening few tunes not doing much to win me over
no doubt about his keyboard skills and confidence
gentle is not his style - bang out those tunes
the rhythm department trying to keep up
yes - i'm certain it's good but it lacks something
soul i think - they are reaching but not grasping
i'm checking the time as gerard masters talks again
this time informing us of his admiration of swedish outfit est
the esbjorn svensson trio - the main man drowning 12 months ago
gerard masters has written a piece dedicated to them titled est
now we're talking - and what a musical transformation
this trio nails the sound of est respectfully and precisely
the fan in me very happy to hear that sound live
the band themselves now in a comfortable groove
and playing a few more tunes in a similar style
me - content - crowd - hushed - band - happy
the end of the set coming 15 minutes before train time
a dash for the door with a thanks to the man on the way out
onto the train into the night and well satisfied
funny how that invisible force works sometimes
nudging you in the right direction to the right place
me - totally enjoying that ride at the moment