Classics
Canberra Jazz blog - Fri 10 Apr 2026
Of course the Goldberg Variations by JS Bach is a classic amongst classics.  Maybe I think that because I know pianists who have learnt it (or parts of it), like Chopin waltzes or Fur Elise.  But it was a major work for Charles Huang to take on and perform at Wesley, from memory, the ge... ... More...

After the rain
Canberra Jazz blog - Thu 9 Apr 2026
After the rain is the title of the Fifth National Indigenous Art Triennial at the National Gallery.   I had attended the opening to hear Aretha Brown introducing her major, large, monochrome work in the foyer, but only managed a return pretty late in the season.  It runs to 27 Apri... ... More...

Artemis 2 Triptych
Canberra Jazz blog - Wed 8 Apr 2026
Artemis 2 - EarthriseArtemis 2 - Dark side of the MoonArtemis 2 - The search for water on the MoonMy Artemis 2 Triptych, after a visit to NGA and James Turrell "Within without" Skyspace.  As Artemis 2 circles the Moon.  Without excess seriousness. ... More...

Stabat Mater
Canberra Jazz blog - Tue 7 Apr 2026
To finish off this Easter season, at least the music side, it was Stabat Mater by Greta Claringbould and Toby Cole at Smiths, upstairs at McGregor Hall, with accompaniment by Linus Lee and Zachary Connor, piano and cello.  This was a revisit to last years vigil, then with just Linus on piano... ... More...

Catching up is hard to do
Canberra Jazz blog - Mon 6 Apr 2026
This is Adelaide and I attended a launch party for a novel and it was by a close cousin and I thought of it as a personal event so not for CJ.  Not true.  This was the launch of Lara's fourth book, a novel following three books of woman and dog self-help guides.  Four books!  ... ... More...

Good Friday Alt.
Canberra Jazz blog - Mon 6 Apr 2026
It was fairly quiet in town when we went to Molly, it being Good Friday, I thought.  But we are none too religious a society these days and Molly was alive.  Even buzzing more when Tom Fell's quartet opened with a take on Green Dolphin Street, with Chris Pound playing emphatic chords fr... ... More...

Good Friday
Canberra Jazz blog - Mon 6 Apr 2026
It's Good Friday and thanks to a request from the venue, there is no applause after these Holy Week concerts.  Absolutely apt, although the music was delicious.  This was a larger order than the Lamentations: SATB vocals with 6 instruments, although we only heard 5 given absence due to ... ... More...

Lamentations 2
Canberra Jazz blog - Sun 5 Apr 2026
We are deep into the Holy Week music program at Wesley.  I've missed several concerts with conflicts and the Porpora Lamentations cover two sessions, Wed and Thurs, and I can only get to Thursday.  Alan covers the recording activity for me with my gear and I process the two sessions in ... ... More...

Many happy returns
Canberra Jazz blog - Sun 5 Apr 2026
Once again our great joy to return to Red Hill Primary School with memories of kids and Sausage sandwiches without the politics.  But this only gets a post if we play with someone new.  This time, it was Gus Henderson and it all worked a treat, including a take in a New Orleans groove.&... ... More...

Playing a home gig
Canberra Jazz blog - Sun 5 Apr 2026
Over many years I've seen talented and experienced Australian musicians, often Canberra-trained,  returning home in travels, presumably to catch with with family and friends.  With recent ructions at the SOM these returns may decrease over time but I caught one at Wesley.  Justin B... ... More...