Electric guitarist Orr states that he likes music with strong melodies and chords, good grooves and interesting structures. His compact compositions typically focus on using 12-bar blues and jazz standards as an improvisational platform. Migrating from Britain to Australia with his family at age 10, Orr moved to London in 1995.
Start Ren Walters 1993 [Newmarket]
Walters is a rocking improvisational jazz guitarist with a healthy cult-following. Start features a big band that includes the members of his TIP trio - the Niko Schauble/Chris Bekker rhythm section. Also on board are OzJazz notables Paul Grabowsky and Philip Rex. Great music, but 1995's TIP is much preferred.
TIP with Ren Walters 1995 [ORiGiN]
TIP is an electrifying selection of originals by guitarist Ren Walters performed live in Melbourne at Bennetts Lane and Rig 272 in 1995, with the Chris Bekker/Niko Schauble rhythm section in support. The emphasis is on improvisation that finds its home somewhere between the rock and jazz styles. Hard-copy rare, but downloads are available.
Two's Company Martin Taylor 1997 [Larrikin/Linn]
Featuring duets with OzJazz musicians, including James Morrison and Bob Barnard, it is the guitarists that steal the show. Scottish jazz guitar supremo Martin Taylor's teamings with George Golla, Johnny Nicol and Jim Pennell (Spanish guitar) are terrific - and the duet with Peter Zog on bop standard 'Billie's Bounce' is an absolute corker.
Hey, Guess What? Snag 1997 [Independent/Jazzhead]
Self-titled debut from an international band featuring Australian guitarist Stephen Magnusson and tenor Julien Wilson. The promo blurb describes the music as, "...an eclectic blend of jazz, South American rhythms and folk themes with popular western music influences." Re-issued on Jazzhead in Australia as Hey, Guess What?
All Out James Muller Trio 1999 [ABC Jazz]
Originally from Adelaide, Muller moved to Sydney in 1996 and became one of Australia's most in-demand guitarists. Citing John Scofield as an influence, Muller states: "I guess my aim is to get the free sound of jazz with some of the harmony used more in fusion, and the intensity as well." Hard to find, but Thrum (2002) is a good alternative.
Thrum James Muller Quartet 2002 [ABC Jazz]
Guitarist Muller lightens up a little on Thrum, his third CD as a front-man. Despite the overall production quality being superior to and decidedly more commercial than the ARIA award-winning All Out, little is lost in terms of raw energy and creativity. Tenor Roger Manin and the Simon Barker/Brett Hirst rhythm section round out the quartet.
The Singing Fish The Green Septet 2005 [Jazzgroove]
Adventurous music that remains eminently accessible from guitarist Jess Green and her extended septet. Time spent in West Africa trading off English teaching for music lessons shows, while other travels underpin a host of world rhythms. Of note in support is accordionist Bill Risby, trumpeter Miroslav Bukovsky and John Hibbard on trombone.
