Despite its relative geographic seclusion — or perhaps because of it — a closely knit jazz scene has emerged in Australia over the past decade, most notably in Sydney, where the Jazzgroove Association has grown from humble beginnings into one of the country’s most important arts organizations. Led by saxophonist David Theak, the association’s flagship Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra released one of last year’s best recordings, The Mothership Plays the Music of Mike Nock (Jazzgroove, 2006). Theak has also been leading his own smaller Theak-tet for a decade, and Old School is another fine example of the vibrant Down Under post bop scene.

The group is pared down to a quartet, whose only remaining original member is guitarist James Muller, a ubiquitous presence on the Australian scene who recently released the well-received Kaboom (Birdland, 2006). With Muller’s sharp harmonic acumen, losing the pianist has resulted in a sparer, more open sound that better suits the group. Bassist Brendan Clarke is new to the Theak-tet, but he’s developed a strong rapport with Muller and Theak in the Mothership Orchestra. Drummer Felix Bloxsom’s synergy is all the more remarkable for his relative newness with the group.

Recorded by engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug at Rainbow Studios in Oslo, Norway—home to countless ECM recordings—one might expect Old School would reflect at least some of the German label’s aesthetic. But while the record’s pristine sonic clarity bears the Rainbow/Kongshaug signature, Old School does something that most ECM recordings don’t: swing.

Read the full review on All About Jazz

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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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