John Shand Posts

September 23, 2016 / Album Reviews - Archive

ENSAM (LRP) 7.5/10 Not only is Ireland’s Kevin Brady an exceptional jazz drummer, he is a composer of expanding breadth and creativity. In writing for his trio with fellow Irishman Dave Redmond (bass) and the American pianist Bill Carrothers he crafts pieces replete with that most magical of musical assets:…

September 19, 2016 / Concert Reviews - Archive

Sound Lounge, August 20 9/10 Were a Peter Dutton of the arts considering establishing a musical border force, I think the horse has already bolted. Jen Shyu’s performance utterly clouded any boundaries between east and west, composition and improvisation, music and theatre. An American of East Timorese and Taiwanese decent,…

September 17, 2016 / Concert Reviews - Archive

City Recital Hall, August 15 8.5 stars Usually with anything as sweet as Abigail Washburn’s voice have to unwrap it, first. And if the thought of two banjos sours the idea, she and Bela Fleck could probably strum a pair of shoelaces and warm people’s hearts. He may be the…