John Shand | Music & Other Spheres Posts

November 15, 2013 / Features - Archive

Pop singers toying with jazz are usually extending wilting careers rather than doing jazz any favours. Jade MacRae is different. Not only is her pop career still thriving, but jazz is in her genes. MacRae is the daughter of pianist Dave MacRae and singer Joy Yates, whose jazz pedigrees span…

November 15, 2013 / Album Reviews - Archive

Balkan Spirit (Alia Vox/Fuse) The latest instalment in Jordi Savall’s Odysseus-like musical journey around the Mediterranean rim is typically glorious, but here his stately ensembles recreating the ancient music of Spain or Turkey give way to lively smaller bands and tearaway improvising. Savall embarked upon this project with a point…

November 6, 2013 / Theatre Reviews - Archive

Eternity Playhouse, November 5 The new Eternity Playhouse instantly becomes Sydney’s most beautiful theatre. Its size, sightlines, acoustics, stage area, ceiling height, seat-comfort and ambient charm are second to none. It also boasts the most attractive foyer in town, brimming with architectural flourishes, handsome timber, glorious stained-glass windows from its…