John Mackey was on tenor, joined by his Perth-based brother Carl, for a rare appearance together, on alto.  Mark Sutton, the best drummer in the business, was there, too, along with 21-year-old pianist Tate Sheridan, who was named as one of the Canberra Critics Circle music award winners in the ACT arts awards only last week and who showed in no uncertain terms why he got the gong.  (Sheridan has a gig at Smith’s Alternative Bookshop on December 5 to launch his debut CD.)

One of the surprises of the evening was the double bass player, no less than the Belgian ambassador himself,  Jean-Luc Bodson.  Ambassador Bodson acquitted himself more than admirably, providing a well-constructed baseline that provided a perfect foundation for the rhythm section and soloists.

The band explored several decades of jazz music for the sax in just an hour as well as the styles of some of its great exponents. Even though many in the audience chatted during the concert, which was fine – it was a garden party concert after all, everyone was listening and appreciating the high quality musicianship, evidenced by the enthusiastic applause after each tune.

Electronic screens on either side of the stage exhibited a series of caricatures on the theme of Adolphe Sax and his invention, some with tongue firmly implanted in the cheek of the artist.

After the band finished, the entertainment continued with some fine big band playing from Telopea School, led by Rob Clements, obviously still well-primed after their very successful tour of France only a couple of months ago.  The reed section played a couple of tunes on their own in honour of Mr Sax.

This happy, relaxed evening, with its charming hosts, ambassador Bodson and his wife, Mrs Stephanie Mbombo, and topped off with some superb music and splendid catering and weather was thoroughly enjoyable.

Photos by Clinton White