John Shand Posts

November 15, 2014 / Album Reviews - Archive

Tokyo 1972 (Splitrec) An alternative title for this extraordinary double album might have been The Shock Of The Now. That an album of improvisation made 42 years ago can sound so blindingly new is a marvel, and a tribute to the artistry of this ground-breaking Sydney band. In 1972 David…

November 14, 2014 / Album Reviews - Archive

Best of Mariza (Warner) In concert Portugal’s Mariza is one of the wonders of the world: the epitome of grace and elegance, while her magnificent voice spears hearts and quickens central nervous systems. This 23-track compilation draws on six previous albums and attempts to snare the super-committed with three new…

November 9, 2014 / Concert Reviews - Archive

  The Basement, November 3 No one can ever accuse the Italians of making anaemic art. From Dante to Puccini they have never been frightened of passion and drama. If you don’t feel anything when you encounter Italian art, chances are you’re dead. Their best jazz maintains this ardour, epitomised…