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Australia's longest-running classical music label
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Last Will and Testament of John Sangster
Tony Gould, Len Barnard, Graeme Lyall and friends
Nominated for the 2003 Australian Jazz Awards!
A delightful musical tribute to one of Australia's great jazz pioneers - John Sangster - by some of this country's top performers! According to Sangster's long-time colleague and jazz drummer Len Barnard, the music herein was written in Brisbane, when John knew he was on borrowed time and the cancer could no longer be pacified - yet there is no inkling of self pity. The old humour, optimism, and the knowledge that he had given life a hell of a shake anyway shines through these pieces. Some may have developed into something John hadn't meant them to, but one can imagine him chortling and nodding approval. There was an honesty about all of them, and they add to his fine works of other years. Press quotes:
“a welcome addition to anyone's collection ... outstanding throughout ... the rhythm could not be better ... deserves to be up there among the classics of Australian jazz.”
— Roger Carpenter, KLFM “What is understood and enjoyed is the great playing and energy of the musicians on this album ... their love and connection with John Sangster and respect for his music shows in the playing.”— Sandro Donati, ArtStreams “A stellar line-up ... Covering a range of styles, Sangster's pieces are written and arranged in a way that's almost Ellingtonian - a strong sense of narrative, movement and structure showcases the artists. **** 1/2 (4 1/2 stars)”— Leon Gettler, The Age 'Green Guide' “this album will do nicely as a teaser ... delightful ... every track has a sunny, swinging mien and genre-blending originality that stamps it as not just fine jazz but classic Australian jazz.”— Kenny Weir, Sunday Herald Sun “[The musicians] do him more than proud, with music that taps the emotions from exhilaration to sadness ... but Sangster never lost his sense of humour and much of this disc transcends that joy. It's a fitting finale ... **** 1/2 (4 1/2 stars)”— Kevin Jones, The Weekend Australian “a memorable recording to grace anyone's collection. The liner notes are worth a mention for their slick presentation and tributes from Dick Hughes, Len Barnard and Tony Gould.”— Lew Smith, Jazz Fremantle Newsletter “ecelctic, joyous and playful.”— Adrian Jackson, Rhythms “Three things stand out: an inherent swing, ... joy and humanity ... It is absorbing, variegated music that takes its place in Australian jazz history.”— Shane Nicols, Australian Financial Review “a fitting tribute to John Sangster and (the late) Tom Baker”— Sid Marsh, Heritage FM “This assured album is a fitting musical tribute to one of Australia's unsung heroes of jazz.”— New Classics, UK “a wonderful tribute to a significant figure in Australia's cultural history.”— John Topper, 3RRR FM “a pleasant album”— Michael Webb, 3MGB FM “Unmistakably Sangster - and some of his best ... If only there was more Aussie jazz of this quality.”— 3HOT FM “a winning collection ... The music itself is as cool as it is joyful ... It really is happy and full of life, as well as being a warm reflection of experience it has some very hot moments. Great stuff.”— David Jobling, Qstage “a long overdue tribute to this wonderful man's joyous, genre-crossing, larrikin and very Australian contribution to jazz ... The presentation of the CD is beautiful ... (rating ***** out of 5).”— Glen Henrich, Jazz Action Society Sydney Audio previews:
Track Listing:
Sunup
Mistlestone Raggedy Ann doll A little while longer Rivera Mountain Dead on the level A posy for Petra Blues Fallin' out the window Scrub up Bist du es mon Brave Last pound of flour Rain on the roof Out the window Sundown Catalogue Number: MD3255
Price: AU$26.00
(convert to $US)
Last Will and Testament of John Sangster can be purchased through Buywell Just Classical who offer secure on-line ordering. |
 Featured Artists:
As well as performing, writing, arranging and teaching at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, Graeme is the Artistic Director of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra and musical director of the 50 strong WAYJO Composers Ensemble. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz saxophone players and arrangers Australia has produced.
"one of a rare breed of pianists not frightened of showing his emotions when he plays"
(Leon Gettler, The Age 'Green Guide') Melbourne born musician Tony Gould is well known and admired in both classical and jazz musical circles. As a musician, Tony Gould is characterised by a desire to encompass as broad a range of activities as possible, aiming to reduce often prejudiced judgements about the relative worth of different musical styles. Forceful though his playing is in the more extrovert traditional jazz setting of much of his work, Barnard's discreet and propulsive swing, and his able use of brushes, show him to be an accomplished mainstream drummer.
Ian "Blokko" Bloxsom is one of Australia's finest jazz percussionists. John Sangster described him as a "Percussionist and Runner. Composer of 'The Kombi-Bender's Lament'. Me mate."
Over the years Tom Baker mastered many instruments, and was equally adept on saxophones, clarinet or trumpet. In recent years he had been working on his string bass technique, and could do nice things on piano accordion too.
Barnard's playing is notable for his big, rich sound and the consummate ease of his flowing solo lines. Although his name was made, and his fame spread, through his forceful playing in the traditional jazz style this is by no means the extent of his huge talent.
A well-known Australian jazz bassist.
Composers:
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