Veteran altoist McGann came of age with this trio recording from 1991, with drummer John Pochée and bassist Lloyd Swanton (The Necks) rounding out the lineup. McGann's playing here has been compared to both Stan Getz and Lee Konitz, although over the years many have found him reminiscent of Ornette Coleman.
Hipnotation Dale Barlow 1991 [Spiral Scratch]
Australian hard bop tenor that has recorded with some of the all-time greats, most notably as a member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers. Hipnotation is his 1992 ARIA award-winning effort and may be a little hard to track down. A highly capable quintet also featuring trumpeter Eddie Henderson and Kevin Hays on piano.
Fire Mark Simmonds Freeboppers 1995 [Birdland]
Often cited as influential by OzJazz musicians, Fire was the first major success for Sydney jazz specialist record store Birdland's own label. Simmonds is a barnburner on the sax, while trumpeter Scott Tinkler's inventiveness hints at things to come. Overall, there are some great grooves and memorable melodies not to be missed.
McGann Bernie McGann 1995 [Rufus/Terra Nova]
A relatively straightforward effort from OzJazz alto supremo Bernie McGann. Regular rhythm section Lloyd Swanton and John Pochée feature in support, with occasional cohort trombonist James Greening adding frontline verve. Featuring seven originals and one by Monk, this is McGann's most conventionally accessible record.
Tjapangati Ian Chaplin Quartet 1996 [Jazzhead]
Altoist Ian Chaplin is typical of the wave of progressive OzJazz musicians that has emerged since the 1980s. Ranging from fast & furious to a groovier jazz-funk style, the support here includes the Philip Rex/Scott Lambie rhythm section and pianist Mark Fitzgibbon. Two tracks feature pianist Sam Keevers. Not spectacular, but solid.
Andrew Speight Quartet Andrew Speight 1998 [ABC Jazz]
Altoist Andrew Speight won an ARIA award with this in 1999 while, at the time, holding the distinction of being the only Australian holding a major jazz teaching post in the USA. This is a fairly straightahead set, with Speight bopping it up while displaying his "keeper of the flame" reputation on Dizzy Gillespie's 'A Night in Tunisia'.
Bundeena Bernie McGann 2000 [Rufus]
Altoist McGann makes a habit of travelling well in the yearly ARIA awards, with Bundeena a winner in 2001. Drummer John Pochee continues to prove he is amongst the best, while the immense talents of acoustic bassist Lloyd Swanton (The Necks) are never in doubt. Adventurous jazz played to perfection and possibly McGann's best.
On Andrew Robson 2002 [ABC Jazz]
Recognised as one of Australia's most creative saxophonists, On is Robson's best-known recording to date. Here his regular rhythm section of double bassist Steve Elphick and drummer Hamish Stuart is joined by noted OzJazz pianist Alister Spence. More commercial than the trio recordings for the Rufus label, but still quite adventurous.
