John Shand Posts

June 29, 2017 / Album Reviews - Archive

THE CHILD BALLADS (Lamplight) 9/10 It took an American to systematically compile hundreds of English and Scottish ballads from across the centuries. In so doing Francis James Child (1825-1896) performed not only a massively important task in preserving the cultural heritage of the British Isles, he provided composer Andrew Robson…

June 27, 2017 / Album Reviews - Archive

THE BROLGA (Rouseabout Records) Marcus Holden’s musical vision is so complete that it has become a prism through which almost any music that passes is refracted into his own likeness. His version of O mio babbino caro from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi, for instance, melts all the high drama of a…

June 25, 2017 / Concert Reviews - Archive

Sydney Conservatorium, Jun 4 8.5/10 Pianist Tigran Hamasyan has such a light touch at it is as if a spirit is playing rather than a corporeal presence; one wary of imposing itself upon silence. Indeed much of this solo concert was so airy that were it a sculpture it wouldn’t…