The Jazz Lab is situated at 27 Leslie Street, Brunswick, Victoria and replaced the well known Bennetts Lane Jazz Club which was subject to a compulsory purchase order. When in Melbourne I used to like going to a jazz spot called Dizzy's in Richmond but that is no longer in operation so it seemed that the best bet to hear some jazz would be the Jazz Lab, a venue that I had never previously visited but which holds jazz events seven days a week.
From Cairnlea where I was staying it was a short drive to the Jazz Lab and we managed to park the car a few yards from the entrance which was good if you happen to have leg problems like I do. Inside it was starting to fill up but we managed to grab a couple of seats at the front right opposite the Yamaha Grand piano. After a short welcoming speech from club-owner and festival artistic director Michael Tortini, Mike Nock appeared along side his bass player and drummer and explained that he would be playing music from his ECM album ONDUS which he recorded four decades ago. He would make no further announcement until the end of the concert.
He had a very forceful playing style and gazed intently at a sheet music score turning the pages to and forth and looking like he was enjoying himself immensely. His bass player was heavily featured throughout the performance and his solowork was well received by the near capacity audience. Emery is a prominent Sydney-based musician and educator and is well suited to this trio. Drummer Chloe Kim got a great sound on her cymbals and then got into some thunderous sounds towards the end of the hour and a half concert.
This was a bit different to the sort of trio music I'm used to hearing at the Railway in Stockport but it was a great experience and I think I will perhaps make a return visit to the Jazz Lab before my journey back to the UK next Wednesday. The Jazz Lab certainly ticked all the boxes and can be added to my list of great jazz venues. Mike Farmer
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