Recorded in March 2003 for broadcast on Radio 2SER.FM, this performance is only now available for general release, no doubt prompted by the closure of the famous Sydney jazz venue Side On Cafe, in April 2005.

The opening track, Blue Room features just the trio: McGann on alto, plus long-term sidemen Lloyd Swanton bass, and John Pochée drums, and free of studio restraints, runs for fourteen minutes. The old ballad from 1926 gets a thoroughly interesting work-over from McGann, complete with his personal signatures, including subtle quotes, breathtaking leaps, and full-on energy.

The remaining tracks, all with the addition of Sydney trumpeter Warwick Alder, consist of two Ellington pieces and two McGann originals, one of which Spirit Song, has become a personal McGann theme. Also an extended cut, Spirit Song has trumpet and alto perfectly scored in the ensemble theme statement before McGann’s opening solo takes magical flight. Restrained at first, the composer builds intensity over Pochée’s rhythmic punctuations and Swanton’s underpinning bass, until guttural rasps, screams, sobs, moans and wails on the alto bring the solo to a climax approximating the human voice.

Alder’s approach, while more orthodox than McGann’s, nevertheless brings a compatible sound to the group, injects some remarkable solos – notably on Brownsville, or the opening to Solitude – and provides a satisfying contrast in ideas and tonality.

The added spark and impetus generated by an appreciative live audience are evident on this recording as four of the best established contemporary players in the country respond with their superb music.

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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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