Those of us at the Ellington Jazz Club in Perth on Thursday 14th of January were treated to an incredible display of tenor playing by former Perthite, now London-based, Brandon Allen.

Allen placed his enormous stamp on the venue, occasionally moving away from the mike to show that his sound was such that he really didn’t need it!

We were then taken on a journey through some heavily Coltranesque numbers including a brilliant rendition of “Soul Eyes”.  Another highlight of the evening for me was “The Real McCoy” by McCoy Tyner.

His sweat-stained shirt was testament to the energy with which he played.

Added to this heady mix was the fiery Daniel Susnjar on drums who kept the white-hot energy flowing throughout the evening and in the finely tuned engine room were Graham Wood on keys and Karl Florisson on bass.

Brandon Allen will be appearing at the  Charles Hotel, North Perth for the Perth Jazz Society on Monday January 25th at 8pm with the Russell Holmes trio.

Unmissable, in my book.  He’s returning to London after his Perth visit.

Perth Jazz Society Venue: Charles Hotel, 509 Charles St, North Perth (enter from Ellesmere St)

Brandon Allen’s myspace. http://www.myspace.com/brandonsaxophonics

Ellington Jazz Club http://www.ellingtonjazz.com.au/