Doug Caldwell jazz

Press, 22 October 1984, Page 4

Doug Caldwell jazz

Brian Smith and Denise Harris with the Doug Caldwell Quartet, presented by Jazz South and the Christchurch Town Hall at the Limes Room, October 21, 8 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. Nothing showy or flamboyant marked last evening’s concert in the Limes Room; it was simply good, honest jazz, cleanly and tastefully delivered by an ensemble of skilled musicians. Rhythm section, or backing group, for the evening was the Doug Caldwell Trio comprising Doug Caldwell (piano), Paul Dyne (acoustic bass), and Kerry Buchanan (drums). Led by Doug Caldwell’s elegant, often lyrical, lines and his clearcut voicings, the trio put forth a tight, well managed sound. Much of the control came rich body of Paul

Dyne’s bass. He is an inventive player, with a range of colour at his fingertips, yet he never allows his skills to dominate texture. His solid simplicity of line is his strength. Matching this throughout the later stages of the concert was the playing of the drummer, Kerry Buchanan. Earlier, his swish cymbal (a cross between a commercial pot-lid and dinner gong in sound) dominated; later his work quietened and showed pleasing sensitivity. He is a strong player and gave imaginative solos in a number of tunes. The featured tenor saxophonist for the concert was Brian Smith, of Auckland, a powerful and dextrous player with ample penetration to remain at all times at the centre of the sound. He has an enviable ability to sustain long, single'Vphrase strands of melodic

thought over many bars. This was in evidence in many of the pieces played, particularly in his own compositions. Tunes such as s Winton,” the Latin-feel “Hibiscus Coast,” and the haunting, liquid “Waltz for Ernie” were among the most successful of the concert.

Last, but certainly not least, the charming singer, Denise Harris, gave a beautiful account of a variety of old world, jazz standards. Her “Lover Man,” for its tenderness and breadth of expression, was particularly moving. Her sprightly “But Not For Me,” with oodles of personality beaming through, was infectious in spirit In all, yet another enjoyable evening in this continuing series of concerts presented by the enterprising Jazz South organisation. fc.