john_shand

Jazz: The Australian Accent
John Shand
(UNSW Press)

This work deserves attention alone for its arrival into the seriously under-documented territory of contemporary Australian jazz. At a time of widespread creativity and world appreciation of the music, it still lacks general recognition at home. Long-term Sydney jazz critic, John Shand has produced an informed book on the topic, exhaustively researched though sometimes overwhelming in detail. It’s analytical, imaginatively written, and allows musicians to speak directly about their lives and art.

The book focuses on 11 case studies chosen for their adjudged key roles and original contributions. It won’t go unnoticed that eight are Sydney based while just three are from Melbourne. Of five Godfathers three are drummers, with saxophonist Bernie McGann and pianist Mike Nock completing the list. These and other points are guaranteed to provoke discussion about Shand’s selections and opinions. Some might expect names like Paul Grabowsky – godfather to many – Jamie Oehlers, and Andrea Keller or even someone outside the Sydney-Melbourne axis to merit study. Nevertheless Shand’s choices are exceptionally talented artists and major contributors. He fleshes them out elegantly and with insight, analysing their music knowledgeably, often lyrically.

Included in The Pioneers of Now is the Band of Five Names whose leader Phil Slater says that Australian Jazz’s success is partly due “to the freedom to fail without undue repercussions.” Additionally there are chapters on Australia’s part in global jazz; an analysis of improvisation; New Zealand influences; advice (widely ignored) on not clapping at every solo; an enquiry headed Missing Women; media coverage, and Future Stars. All are thoughtfully examined. Scattered throughout this artistic publication are black and white shots by Jane March including some wonderfully intense studies capturing players in full flight.

Like most critics Shand holds firm beliefs not always shared by readers, but no doubt he’s accustomed to that. Several appendices, a glossary, and a CD, make this a useful reference and a fine introduction to the genre.

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This review first appeared in an edited form in The Weekend Australian and is republished with permission.

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Hash Varsani is the owner of The Jazz Directory, a network of sites related to jazz, travel and everything else he loves. He also runs a selection of jazz related sites including Jazz Club Jury, a jazz club and festival review site. Check out his Google+ Profile, to see what else he's up to...probably setting up another website from one of his many passions.

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