GRAND PIANO

Saxman Jim Mackenzie gives the standard ‘On Green Dolphin Street’ an energetic workout enticing the backing trio into a musical dialogue.   Jim’s heartfelt reading of the ballad ‘Azimuth’ heralds the surprise of the afternoon.  The grand piano and I are joined on stage by the entire AZIMUTH ensemble, last grouped together when the suite, inspired by Irene Amos’s painting ‘Revelation’, was premiered at the Queensland Art Gallery.  Present in the audience today are John Massy from the Gallery and Irene Amos, the artist.  Bob Watson on drums, Philip Hansson on double bass, Jim Mackenzie on reeds, Sue Wighton on vocals, and myself make up AZIMUTH.  In a whirling kaleidoscope of colour, texture and rhythms, two tunes from the suite – ‘Turkish Fat Lady’ and ‘Beat at Large’ – take flight, with the magic blend of Sue’s voice and Jim’s soprano saxophone soaring to the climax of the afternoon.

The first-ever release of the AZIMUTH suite on CD has been engineered specially for this event, from the original session tapes, and for me, the ensemble and Irene Amos, it is a dream come true.  The piano is beaming broadly now.  After a standing ovation from the wildly applauding audience, many snapped up the opportunity to obtain a CD and sign up as new BJC members.  The Club have booked a repeat performance for August 31 – same venue, same time, same line-up – with pre-paid bookings indicating another sell-out.  Countless thanks are in order, and to all who contributed in a spirit of co-operation and abiding love for the power of the music we all love and love to share, every single one of you made the event such a success.  Two quotes:  From Montville jazz lovers “Great music, great rapport – can’t wait for the next one”.  From the remarkable Jessica Bloxsom, whose famous drummer son Ian flew up specially from Sydney for the event, “With your magic fingers racing across the keyboard, I heard the whole concert in my heart – I’ve never heard jazz like that”. 

Clare Hansson and the Kawai.