John Shand Posts

October 12, 2015 / Concert Reviews - Archive

Springwood Presbyterian Hall, October 3 It happens in all art forms, from the ostensibly dubiously-cast actor who ends up stealing the show to the feted children’s author who suddenly turns to soft-core erotica. Improbability especially thrives in music, where massed kazoos can play Led Zeppelin songs or Prrim’s instrumentation can…

October 9, 2015 / Concert Reviews - Archive

Verbrugghen Hall, October 1 This sort of thing can change lives, turning wannabe musicians into the real thing. Robert Burke and Paul Grabowsky have been blessing the students at Monash University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music by commissioning major works and facilitating collaborations between the Monash Art Ensemble (MAE)…

October 7, 2015 / Album Reviews - Archive

Dallendyshe (ECM) Although singer Elina Duni was only 10 when she left Albania for Switzerland it is her homeland’s music that fuels her mature artistry. Duni’s expatriate status gives her the luxury of distance in the way she approaches the traditional songs, while also imbuing her performances with a compelling…