Charlie Chech Live: Brisbane Jazz Club
We sense there’s a lot going on in the music industry. Very interesting merges of genres playing on the radio. Some wholesome softening of music along with smart refurbs of classic 70’s and 80’s hits. Fresh, tuneful melodic pieces are enticing the way for increased digital downloads; however the biggest surprise factor are vinyl LPs and Cd sales. Tribute concerts are reasonably well attended – if the artists are worthy of our cash.
Theres a genre that has been mined almost empty for the last 50 years. G.A.S.- the Great American Songbook, it has re-emerged once again as an authentic sector of listenable music.
Frank, Dean, Sammy and Nat laid a black & white well-noted path for the Krall’s, Bublé’s, Elling’s and their power packed orchestras.
Not everyone who grabs a Super 55 Shure microphone and warbles out ‘Cry Me A River’ actually “cuts the mustard”. Beaut for the office Christmas karaoke, perhaps – and even then, only with liberal amounts of alcohol added for the victims.
And then emerges one truly courteous young gentleman, with a head-turning sonorous voice.
Sydney-based musician and singer Charlie Chech knows how to both fill a nicely tailored suit and a Jazz Club room at exactly the same time. “Old before you’re young” is a phrase that keeps coming to mind.
Brisbane Jazz Club hosted Charlie Chech on Thursday 11th April. Best risk they have made for a while – and one they’ve not regretted after hearing the second verse of his first song onwards. His natural confidence and engaging smile carry his performance to another level altogether. The nuance of Charlie’s notes, timing and phrasing, (I suspect a bi-product of his drumming years) allows him sail in or catch up at any time during a tune.
Charlie was supported by three of Queensland’s finest musos. Drummer Mitch Bellert, Bassist Elliot Parker and Dave Spicer on grand piano. Have to tell you this was a match made in heaven. Charlie allowed room for these pros to “breathe freely” during the songs, again radiating courtesy learned in his own life as a band member.
Ever heard a Jazz Club go from silence to a roar? I have. Brisbane Jazz Club. Watch out for Charlie Chech. He’s somebody with an interesting future in the entertainment business!
Reviewed by 101FM Radio Presenter Stu Robertson
Photography by Michelle Cop (MC Photography)
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