Music that grows... and glows

CD Review: As Above, So Below - Jason Bruer



Jason Bruer’s CD is a like a cocktail – a heady fusion of bold elegance and luscious flavours that can blow away winter’s chill.

‘as above so below’ is Bruer’s debut solo. The title is a personal reflection by Bruer on the different realms we all exist in, and on writing songs ‘across two hemispheres’. It also captures his change in place and space from London to Sydney, and an evolution in his musical attitude, from frenetic to ethereal.

Sit back, relax, get mellow – you’re in good hands.

Bruer captures the smooth summer feel of Brazillian influenced jazz on the tracks Martha’s Dream, Tomorrow’s Goodbye, Truth Of The Lie and Spring Bossa.

Then we step off the beach, and head Uptown looking fly. Bossa For Sandy, Alfie’s Tree and Leaving Home are like a sip of fine scotch or a languid kiss.

My favourites include the dreamy meandering of Little Orb and Martha’s Dream. The track Bossa For Sandy is elegant and delicious. And if you’re in need of a quick winter warm up, Callysamba will have you doing shines in your living room.

Narrowing it right down, Bruer sites The Pat Metheney Group and Toninho Horta as major influencers. Toninho Horta’s compositions (described as jazz influenced Brazilian music) and original guitar playing has influenced a whole generation of musicians in Brazil, including Metheney.

Adelaide-born Bruer has freelanced with some of Australia’s finest - Models, the Dynamic Hepnotics, Eurogliders, and Steve Kilby, Kate Ceberano, John Morrison's swing city, and Monica and the Moochers before heading over to London in 1988.

Bruer spent 20 years in London where he co-lead Smith and Bruer Band and enjoyed success working London's club scene with their infectious retro jazz funk.

While across the pond, Bruer has also played sessions with Eric Clapton, Sting, Mick Hucknell, Mica Paris, BB King, Stevie Winwood, Madness, Paul Weller, All Saints, and Van Morrison.

Mark Johns, Martin Love and Fabian Hevia appear on this album, with Steve Rose, Tim Bruer, and Adam Ventoura and Neville Malcolm on electric bass. Dale Barlow appears as a guest flautist on the track Spring Bossa.

Keep it mellow… ‘as above so below’ grows and glows.

Jason Bruer will be playing at The Basement on September 22. For more info visit www.jasonbruer.com or www.diaspora.com.au

- Kerry Awia Markey (August 7, 2009)