Reviews/Music

Master leads apprentices in style

7 May 2023

Having conquered the world stage, legendary jazz guitarist Frank Gambale brings out the best in some of WAAPA’s rising stars, writes Garry Lee. 

Jazz in the Theatre, Frank Gambale 
Geoff Gibbs Theatre, 5 May 2023 

It is an inspired decision by WAPPA to invite Frank Gambale as an artist-in-residence, with the legendary jazz fusion guitarist running a week of workshops before welcoming students on stage with him for two sold-out shows.  

Gambale is Australian born but a long-time resident of the United States. In the early 1980s he moved from Canberra to study at the Guitar Institute of Technology in Hollywood, where he was awarded student of the year with honours before going on to teach there.  

In 1987, Gambale started a 34-year working relationship with legendary jazz pianist Chick Corea (ending only with Corea’s death in 2021). With 27 Grammys to his name, Corea is arguably the most significant artist in jazz of the last half century. 

Imagine playing piano or keyboards with an artist who has accompanied Corea countless times. The quality of WAAPA’s tuition enables Luke Geha, Eli Metcalf, Flavio Colonetti and Liam Clement to step up for this role, with Geha’s solos in particular kicking multiple goals.  

No less inspiring is the chance to solo on guitar alongside Gambale, with Vincent Choy and Aiden Moroney also showing a high level of maturity and technique. 

The program of 13 compositions runs the gamut from solo guitar to guitar plus big band and jazz choir. Josh Parker (tenor saxophone), Holly Forster (alto sax), Gianni Petta (baritone sax) and Aaron Caldwell (alto sax) also relish the opportunity to perform alongside a world-class artist, with Parker’s solo on You Are All The Things revealing a highly talented emerging artist.  

WAAPA students make the most of the opportunity to perform with a master. Photo: Stephen Heath

Gambale has 20 albums as a leader to his name and most are his own compositions, as are all but one of those played tonight. For many in the audience, the music is a new experience.

Gambale’s ability to intertwine lyricism and virtuosity is unveiled via four different guitars that take the listener on a journey. The nylon string acoustic/electric is an exquisite instrument for Avengers Suite 1 & 2, while the opener Free Spirit is played on a traditional electric archtop guitar and conjures up the highly popular approach of George Benson.  

The solid body electric with multiple effects is used on many tunes, including Solo Tune where the chorus effect and delay effect are apparent. Gambale’s speed of picking at the top end of the guitar shows why he is a legend to rock guitarists such as Jerry Garcia, as well as several generations of fusion guitarists worldwide.  

A self-deprecating wit comes to the surface with his original tune Have You Met Tom Jones. Based on the Richard Rodgers’ jazz standard Have You Met Miss Jones, Gambale shows his age (and mine) by playing Tom Jones’ It’s Not Unusual as an introduction. 

This balanced concert finishes with Corea’s most famous composition, Spain, which provides a showcase for the emerging talent of teenage vibraphonist Jack Hadlow (who earlier performed an excellent solo on his maiden voyage, Gioia) and receives great encouragement from the full house. 

Australians should be proud and inspired by the stature Frank Gambale has attained as a jazz guitarist of the very highest order. Chick Corea recognised this. So should we all. 

For more WAAPA music performances, see the website.

Pictured top: WAAPA students were lucky to share the stage with jazz maestro Frank Gambale. Photo: Stephen Heath

Like what you're reading? Support Seesaw.

Author —
Garry Lee

Garry Lee has played jazz vibraphone and guitar for over 50 years. He was a founding jazz teacher at WAAPA has also been a jazz writer, jazz composer/leader, Churchill Fellow and artistic director. Born in Essex soon after WW2, his favourite playground equipment was dismantled tanks and cannons.

Past Articles

  • Perfect pairing in full swing

    Sassafras and Jessie Gordon jazz up a delightful autumn afternoon with a sophisticated and swinging set, writes Garry Lee.

  • Big band’s approach speaks volumes

    Western Australian Jazz Project proudly proclaim to do jazz differently and Garry Lee finds plenty of reasons to appreciate that difference.

Read Next

  • Just what the doctor ordered
    Reviews

    Just what the doctor ordered

    29 September 2023

    Dr AudiYO uses vocal gymnastics to take the audience on a fun adventure. Junior reviewers Jackson and Chloe Davis are happy to take this prescription. 

    Reading time • 3 minutesTheatre
  • Seadragon weaves magic spell
    Reviews

    Seadragon weaves magic spell

    28 September 2023

    The Magical Weedy Seadragon enchants junior reviewer Isabel Greentree with a winning blend of story, song and humour.   

    Reading time • 4 minutesMulti-arts
  • Lifting the weight of the world
    Reviews

    Lifting the weight of the world

    28 September 2023

    Junior reviewers Jackson and Chloe Davis are taken on a thoughtful and funny journey to the Moon with one overwhelmed girl.

    Reading time • 4 minutesTheatre

Cleaver Street Studio

Cleaver Street Studio

 

Cleaver Street Studio