Zoo Twilight Series – James Morrison

This will not be your usual review – at least, not like those covering concerts in acoustically perfect halls, with performances to match. Instead, picture yourself in an idyllic situation: relaxing on the grass at the Melbourne Zoo at twilight, on a soft summer’s night, part of a happy crowd picnicking while being treated to fine jazz. The second in The Twilight Series (which runs from January until the end of March) featured James Morrison – and many other fine musicians – and it was my happy duty to review it. First up it was the saxophone-driven sound of Paul Williamson’s Hammond Combo, no strangers to the Rainbow Hotel and other venues, with a line-up including drummer Mike Jordan. Birds at the nearby Aviary seemed to shriek approval while a peacock strolled calmly past the intent audience. True, we occasionally heard the lions roaring – but it was mostly music that filled the night air. A highlight of this first half was Charles Brown’s classic of 1946, ‘Drifter Blues’, with its cool sax, languid backing, and bluesy scream on the high notes. When the James Morrison Quintet took to the stage, the high notes were for Morrison’s trumpet and, occasionally, for vocalist Emma Pask – a regular with the stellar ensemble for some years. Something of a legend on the Australian music scene, Morrison has played with jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, B.B. King and Woody Shaw – but on this night his whole energy was given to the zoo crowd, a mixed bunch of jazz aficionados, dating couples, long-time fans and families enjoying a night out. Morrison spent quite a bit of time at the piano, accompanying (and engaging in repartee with) Pask. All were more than satisfied with the varied program of soulful, swinging and funky standards and originals, spiced with humour and a real upbeat feel. The musicians gave their all to ‘Sack O’Woes’ but it sounded irrepressibly bright and breezy. Pask’s ‘Hallelujah, I Love Him So’ hit the spot exactly, as did her more soulful rendition of ‘My One and Only Love’. Near the end, the ensemble swung into a tune which the audience was invited to recognise as ‘Battle Hymn of the Republic, Tom Brown’s Body, Little Peter Rabbit’ or the Mona Vale Primary School song. Like the whole gig, it had something for everyone, and left the mixed audience applauding and wishing there was more. And more there will be, with Zoo Twilights playing on Saturday and Sunday nights until March 17 – with a different line-up each time. It’s worth booking ahead, and reading the Zoo’s comprehensive information about the event. The Zoo is cleared at 5pm and concert-goers admitted from 5.30pm so there’s no point getting there too early. Queues are long, but there’s plenty of room on the grass for picnic rugs, or low chairs at the back or side of the space. Rating: 4 out of 5 stars Zoo Twilight Series – James Morrison Melbourne Zoo January 22, 2012 For further information go to www.zoo.org.au