Jazz Duo

Recently, two concerts were given in Wellington by the American Jazz Duo, Pete Jolly on piano and Ralph Pena on bass. The almost unbelievable technique of Pena aroused much comment and overshadowed the more subdued piano-playing of Jolly. However, the amazing rapport between these two musicians was evident from the first. (If one would start something or change the time, the other would immediately change to suit the mood. Jolly did not dominate the group as much as one might expect.)

Pete Jolly is not an altogether original jazz pianist, but rather a mixture of current styles. His accordian playing (dare I say it) seems to be more productive, but it may be the novelty and unexpected enjoyment derived that suggests that. He puts lots of frills and runs in his solos, and almost obscures his own ideas at times. He often plays block chords in a style similar to Red Garland, and Errol Garner influences are also noticeable. (I was told that Garner is such a potent force in America that a solo pianist has to sound a bit like him or his records will not sell!). His solos were very melodic and were often humorous or with a fiery drive, but they were rarely delicate and deeply moving.

Ralph Pena made the use of drums superfluous with his almost hypnotic technique and rhythmic drive. He sustained the tempo at almost unbelievable speeds, never once faltering or missing the beat. He brings out fully the percussive qualities of his instrument without destroying the melodic content of his solos. Together they are a very driving and exciting group.

I hear that Laurie Lewis played with them in Auckland, and that they were very impressed with his playing. I wish I had heard them as, with such a driving and talented rhythm section, he could rise to the heights I am sure he is capable of.

A word about their tastes—Pete Jolly stated in Wellington that he was trying to do on piano what Coltrane is doing on tenor—this was not apparent at the concerts, but perhaps I am expecting too much. He digs Red Garland and admires Thelonious Monk for his writing, but not for his playing. Coltrane and Benny Goulson are the tenorists they like; Miles Davis, too.

—R.T.M.