Band of Skulls

Last Tuesday night The Hi-Fi was absolutely packed for a sold-out show of the English band from Southampton, previously known as ‘Fleeing New York’ when they used to tour around the pubs of the Greater City of London.

From looking at Russel’s boutique pedal board, all lead to think that sound was going to be the highlight of the night. I even spotted some sticky tape on his guitar’s pickups, to help achieve that dirty muddy sound that defines Band of Skulls and some others iconic bands long the same lines such as Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

I had to run after the third or fourth song and I was lucky enough to be able to get out through the fire stair, to jump back to a quiet Tuesday night at Melbourne’s CBD with everyday pedestrians unaware of such a great band playing and a massive audience of cool kids gathering under Swanston Street.

On the way home, I bumped into my friend Ross, who gave me a lift home (jackpot!).

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Derrick Hodge

A bass guitar virtuoso. He learnt to play the instrument from the age of 7 and self-taught himself to play double bass using his electric bass technique. Graduated from Temple University, he was the first jazz major to join the University Symphony Orchestra. His multiple collaborations include Grammy-Awards, a documentary with Spike Lee and starring as a musician in the iconic film Cadillac Records.

The night at the Forum fulfilled my highest expectations and we saw a true artist on stage, delivering a very curated sound resulting of a combination of R&B, soul, jazz and classical pieces. A front man with a bass guitar, a few vocals, shyly whispered to support the instrumental work and a true believer in music were the perfect ending for  a very magical night.

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Chris Turner's Liquid Love

The Melbourne International Jazz Festival had a great show in the program last Saturday night. Chris Turner from ERIMAJ put together a good track list and filled up the Forum  just before Derrick Hodge came up to stage with his electric (amazing!) bass.

A very inspiring mix of jazz, hip-hop, soul and funk followed by some Liquid Love, Sticky Green and also some serenading to one of the pretty ladies standing on the side of the stage. Lots of charisma, thankfulness and good vibes with –I suspect- a hint of humour.  There were catchy lines and a few cheesy songs at some point of the night  that made me think of a cool version of Lionel Richie, only Chris graduated from the New York University of Jazz and Contemporary Music.

Vocals were really inspiring, and help to set the tone for a great relaxing night that the public enjoy thoroughly, appreciative of the artist standing in front of them in his first visit to Melbourne, hopefully followed by many more.

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Mary Stallings

@ Melbourne Recital centre. Review and more Photos coming soon.

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Oehlers Harland Rogers & Grabowsky

Yesterday I spent a couple of hours in a lovely venue hidden in one of the many alleyways of Melbourne. Away from the crowds, the Bennetts Lane Jazz Club is hosting some of the best small gigs of the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

It's been a long day and I will have to finish my review tomorrow after Mary Stalling’s show but in the meanwhile, check some of the photos from last night’s events.

Stay tuned and thanks for reading.

Jazz in Town

Nearly a week left of Jazz goodness in Melbourne. Jump on to one of the many venues, get yourself a ticket or listen to ABC radio to enjoy some of the extremely talented musicians gathering in town for the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

More photos coming soon. 

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