Live performance of camaraderie and musical consolation

Music / Oceans Collectively. On the Drill Corridor Gallery, March 18. Reviewed by GRAHAM McDONALD.

OCEANS Collectively is a mission developed by jazz saxophonist Mark Ginsburg and pianist Ryan Grogan.

It began within the covid interval with the 2 exchanging concepts remotely and has since expanded with the addition of bassist Brendan Clarke and percussionist Fabian Hevia.

This live performance in Canberra is in direction of the tip of some weeks touring, and it exhibits within the camaraderie of the 4 musicians and their relaxed consolation within the music.

The repertoire they’re touring is from their eponymous CD comprising of fabric written by both Ginsburg or Grogan; quiet, melodic music based mostly round melodic or rhythmic themes on both sax or piano that permit area for improvisation. It’s music that effectively fits the Drill Corridor Gallery with the musicians and viewers surrounded by a group of work from Yirrkala within the East Arnhem area of the NT and welded black painted metal sculptures by native artist Leo Loomans. So as to add one other small delight, the music was introduced acoustically, with solely a small increase to the upright bass, and which stuffed the room at simply the correct quantity.

The enjoying was a pleasure. Ginsberg is a really superb sax participant, utilizing each tenor and soprano devices with a robust fluid tone and easy management.

Pianist Grogan offered the harmonic and rhythmic underpinning to each his and Ginsburg’s compositions and would often let free with some glowing solos.

Bassist Clarke anchored the music and likewise impressed with creative solo passages.

Fabian Hevia doesn’t use a standard drum equipment, however sits on a cajon with a cymbal, a wooden block or two, some little gongs and rattles all hit with a group of sticks and brushes and creates magic. His solo within the final tune of the night simply danced across the time signature and had the beforehand fairly restrained viewers applauding with enthusiasm, whereas Mark Ginsburg simply smiled with pleasure.

A superb ending to a memorable live performance.