Ben Woolley (right) plays a variety of instruments with Delaney Davidson and Tami Neilson, as well as Devilish Mary (shown)
Ben Woolley (right) plays a variety of instruments with Delaney Davidson and Tami Neilson, as well as Devilish Mary (shown)
Musician Ben Woolley recalls his first concert experience, seeing Michael Brecker at the James Hay Theatre in Christchurch in 2004.
I started playing the saxophone when I was 13, and although I don't play it much now, I was pretty enthusiastic about it at the time. So when I heard that the world's greatest saxophone player was coming to town, I was excited to say the least.
Honestly, I knewvery little about Michael Brecker, jazz, or much about anything when I was 14, but that didn't stop me going along with my brothers and dad to the now nonexistent James Hay Theatre in Christchurch.
I didn't really know what to expect other than a sax legend; Brecker was billed as "the world's greatest living jazz saxophonist". What I got was more than that. A whole lot of the Rodger Fox Big Band (it being their 30th anniversary tour), and some other pretty cool international guests including Grammy award-winning vocalist Diane Schuur; Grammy-nominated pianist/arranger Bill Cunliffe; and some trumpet dude whose name I have forgotten.
I actually remember coming away from the show feeling pretty gutted. Michael Brecker played two or three tunes and then left the stage, not to return again all night. I couldn't believe it! Admittedly, the little he did play was incredible. To this day, I don't think I've ever heard anyone with quite as much control over their instrument. It was pretty clear to everyone there that he was a monster. Even the guys on stage were awestruck. Sadly, he died three years later, so I won't get the chance to see him again.
Bill Cunliffe was also pretty amazing. He came out during the interval and asked the audience to give him a pop song, a jazz piece and a classical piece, then he combined them into one on the piano. I remember very much enjoying that. Schuur was impressive too, although maybe she went on a bit too long.
Overall, the concert was pretty awesome but I couldn't help feeling a little short-changed seeing such a fine musician but hardly hearing him play.
I still have an appreciation for jazz and have heard the Rodger Fox Big Band play since. I studied John Psathas' Omnifenix (written for another great sax player, Joshua Redman) in my last year of high school, and I obviously treasure my Grover Washington jnr record. What did I wear to the gig? Well you know, just the usual -- city chic. It's just what I do.
• Ben Woolley plays a variety of instruments with Delaney Davidson and Tami Neilson, as well as Devilish Mary and the Holy Rollers, whose debut album release shows are in Auckland this week - at Golden Dawn on Saturday, January 10, and at the Portland Public House on Tuesday, January 13.
