ABC ABC Jazz

Shannon, lovin' the sounds..! I just wanted to say, you know when Dennis Chambers talks about playing with Scofield and he remarks that he's not sure who is playing drums, himself or Sco, well that's how I feel when I'm playing with you. Just mighty! See you soon. Jazzrad

I had the pleasure of seeing the Shannon Barnett Quartet last night (Sat 2nd Oct) in Ballina (not listed in the itinerary). The friends with whom I watched this show were as impressed as I was. To say that all the musicians were comfortable with their instruments would be to understate their vituosity. The complete control with which they played allowed each musician/instrument to have a spellbinding conversation with each other and with the audience.
Shannon Barnett's precision and breathing were notable, as was the tone elicited from her instrument: sad and wistful in "Pesos"; soaring and uplifting in their beautiful arrangement of Crowded House's, "Four Seasons In One Day". Nashua Lee's guitar work was superb. The lightning finger work on the fretboard even brought a smile and shake of the head from bassist, Christopher Hale... nuff said! Hale himself was assured, providing a stable base from which others were able to provide improvisation, and very capably taking control in his own spotlight moments. Behind this was the rhythmic simplicity of drummer, Ben Hendry. His consistent and persistent rhythms had our table bopping, hypnotised by the train-ride he was providing.
My only gripe is that the Crowded House arrangement is not on the CD... I'd love to see it included on a live album :)
We had a brilliant night... I couldn't recommend this quartet highly enough. Just go see them yourself.

It's great that ABC Jazz is supporting talented young Australian musicians. Last week Casey Golden Trio, this week Shannon Barnett. Keep it up!