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Brendan Berlach's High 5
Brendan Berlach's High 5 Brendan got into the saxophone because his Dad had one laying around. Brendan's grandfather, a polish refugee and a great…
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Brendan got into the saxophone because his Dad had one laying around. Brendan’s grandfather, a polish refugee and a great violinist and accordionist, had bought the saxophone in 1958. That investment was realised some time later when Brendan quit his chemical engineering studies to pursue a career in music. Since then, studying at Sydney conservatorium under Col Loughnan, Dale Barlow and Judy Bailey, Brendan had a 6 year tenure with Judy’s big band, and released an album of original music with a quartet under his own name. Most recently Brendan has recorded and led Slide Albatross launching the trio’s self-titled debut in October 2011.
1. EON BEATS – The Basement, 2002
This was one of the first gigs I went to when I turned 18. At the time I was blown away, Warren Trout has such a slamming groove.
2. DALE BARLOW – LIZOTTES ETTALONG, 2003
This was the gig that really inspired me to pursue the saxophone seriously. It was a catalyst for me to drop my chemical engineering studies, to the great alarm of my parents.
3. WAYNE SHORTER QUARTET – Melbourne Jazz Festival, 2005
He is one saxophonist I have always loved and I whose playing I have tried to absorb.
4. BRAD MEHLDAU TRIO - Village Vanguard, 2008
I have seen him play a couple times since but this night just really blew my mind. I really appreciate how much care he takes with his tone and touch on the piano, which is a big lesson for any instrument.
5. GEORGE GARZONE TRIO – Sound Lounge, SIMA, 2010
To me I felt like this was the closest I could get to hearing the spirit of Coltrane live. Garzone’s playing was so deep and gutteral. I was amazed at how he drew in the band with his playing. James Waples was hitting his drums so hard he knocked his cymbal over.
