PAUL McCartney was once asked, “What’s it like to be the best song writer in the world?   He replied, “I don’t know, ask Neil Finn!”  

Such is the esteem in which the New Zealand musician, described in one music magazine as ‘the most prolific writer of great songs’, is held.   Best known as composer and performer with the bands Crowded House and Split Enz, Finn, in partnership with his brother Tim, has created a legacy of iconic songs and a world-wide fan base.   One such admirer is fellow New Zealander, jazz pianist Gerard Masters, and he conceived the idea of reinterpreting the Finn popular classics, giving them a jazz flavour and having leading jazz musicians perform them.   And what better place to showcase his work of dedication and devotion than as one of 6 concerts featured as part of Canberra’s midwinter jazz festival at The Street.

The theatre was jam packed for the show which initially suffered some poor balance with piano and drums far too loud in the mix completely overshadowing bass and guitar.   Perhaps some early hesitation was understandable with both listed bass player Zoe Hauptmann and drummer Evan Mannell becoming indisposed for the concert following a welcome baby addition to their family.   It did not take long for the band to hit its straps however – Emma Pask and Darren Percival soon joined the team and a marvellous night of inventive music ensued.   It was no surprise that the amazing Ms Pask, a James Morrison discovery who he lauds as “the greatest gift to Australian jazz vocals in the last decade” was so at home in this genre but Darren Percival was an excellent revelation.   He has a lovely rich baritone voice but also a beautiful lilting upper register which he displayed early in ‘Fall at Your Feet’.   Both have wonderful phrasing and this was epitomised in Emma’s interpretation of ‘Nails in my Feet’.

The concert atmosphere was relaxed and happy with natural, and I’m sure unrehearsed, patter between Gerard Masters and the singers.  Gerard is a most exciting, and excitable, performer and his exuberant piano playing was excellent both visually and aurally.   Guitarist Aaron Flower was equally inventive and stand-in drummer, Hamish Stuart, was fantastic.   His playing was so neat and precise, not a single drum beat was superfluous with every fill absolutely accurate and meaningful.   The interpretations of the Finn music were perhaps more funk style than the swing I had been anticipating but the chosen styles fitted perfectly.   In the theatre dark I didn’t manage to record a song name accurately but an unexpected jazz waltz setting sung by Emma was quite exquisite in its appeal.

‘It’s Only Natural’, ‘I Got You’ and ‘Weather With You’ all received masterful treatment by Masters who changed original backing chords regularly (substitution of major chords with sadder minor chords was so clever) but retained melodies in original form.    This was an impressive concert in all regards with Emma Pask and Darren Percival quite outstanding.  As an encore Gerard Masters presented a solo version of ‘Better Be Home Soon’.   His emotional playing summed up the passion he has for the Finn music and his desire to share that love with an appreciative audience.