PRESS

Whisper and Hum as the pair maintain youthful pulse

John Shand Sydney Morning Herald 13/02/2000

Band of Five Names exudes a subtle vitality of ideas, emotions and artistic risk-taking. The degree to which the band evolves and grows from performance to performance is extraordinary, notable in the way the sophistication of dynamic control (in both the interaction and realisation of an ensemble sound) becomes ever more pronounced. Whispers blend with sighs and more whispers, and this from a band that has trumpet and drums as half the instrumentation.

Both Slater and pianist Matt McMahon write pieces which could be the soundtracks to those dreams which are part reverie, part nightmare. While a graceful beauty is almost always present, there is also an abiding sense of unease or even danger, whether it comes from the drums doubling the time against a bass ostinato, the edgy harmonies with which McMahon embroiders the trumpet parts, or just the sense of power in reserve. A rare control is exerted over the total shape of their improvisations, and at the present rate of development their potential seems unlimited.