Submitted by Al Kanovsky 04/01/14
We always hear about the JAZZ scene in
Europe. France, Germany, England , even Russia. Well, if the three musicians I
listened to last night are representative, there's a heck of a lot of good JAZZ
in the 'Land Down Under. At The Gussman (Frost School of Music), Tom Jago (guitar)
was performing a Doctorate Recital with his trio. Special guests were Troy
Roberts (tenor sax) and Chad Bernstein (trombone). The 2 other members of Tom's
trio were Eric England (bass) and Ben Falle (drums). Troy is enjoying, well
deserved, success in The Big Apple but flew down just for the recital. Ben is
studying music at UM. Tom, Troy and Ben are Australian. If that 'really big'
island is producing JAZZ musicians like this, prepare for the invasion. The
program was made up of Mr. Jago's original compositions. The first, "Unanimous
Decision" was written in 2010. Tom and Troy played some intricate unison
sections and then 'follow' solos. The room was filled with great sounds. Ben at
the drums did 'just enough' without overblowing Tom or Troy. The title of the
next tune is an interesting play on words---"Unfinished Busy Nest"---The tune
itself was almost a 'BLUES". Not in the traditional sense. More in the mood of
the genre. Tom showed why he is deserving of the doctorate degree. "Major" was
composed in 2011. Troy rejoins the trio and Tom opens with some very soft guitar
with Eric supplying interesting bass chords. Ben is using 'broom rods' in place
of brushes and they add depth to the sounds of the percussion. The melody is
hypnotic. It could be a lullaby. Chad Bernstein joins all of them for "Kind
Minded". I ponder the rhythm for a while and decide it is in '6'. Tom will
confirm it later on. Troy takes the first solo and transports me to the day
after tomorrow. Chad's tone is masterful and alacrity, non-pareil. Eric has
impeccable technique and is very imaginative. Ben adds a very tasty drum solo.
Tom's earlier days had him involved with 'heavy metal'. The genesis from that to
JAZZ is displayed in his composition "My Sugar". He and Eric take you from the
depth of "heavy" to the heights of JAZZ several times during the course of the
tune. It eventually fuses the two for a very musically interesting conclusion.
UM and the Frost School of Music have one of the top Music Departments in the
country.
Prior to the concert, I had the opportunity to talk with one of the
students at Frost. Her name is Victoria Pamukora. She is not studying music. Her
major is Music Business. Parts of that program are Arts Representing, Personal
Development and Live Entertainment. Her passion is for "the show" and hopes
someday to have some role and participate in the programs and future of Madison
Square Garden. My buddy Bill was there, our friend from the Fish House,
Georgine. With her was aspiring guitarist Ben Suarez. David Leon's parents were
in the audience. Randall Dalahan and Gary Lindsay were there representing the
school and support Tom.
Troy by making the quick trip to be there for Tom showed
what friendship is all about. If the rest of the week is as musically satisfying
it will be a heck of a way to welcome Spring.
Al's Disclaimer:
A short note: The reason I write this is because I love music and words. I do not book acts. I do not promote acts. I do not accept invitations to review artists. I go to venues of my own choice. When and where is not influenced by anything other than who I would like to hear that night or day. If I don't like what I hear, I won't write about it. When I like it I let you all know. I never mention a name without asking permission. "Pardon me, Miss. Would you like to dance?"
~ ~ ~
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