Malcolm McNeill

Press, 6 July 1983, Page 4

Malcolm McNeill

Malcolm McNeill, Farewell Concert at the State Trinity Centre, July 5, 8.15 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. It had to happen. Christchurch really is too small to hold a talent like that of the singer, Malcolm McNeill, for long. In his field, Malcolm McNeill is truly an international class performer, and as history regrettably proves time and again, international class performers belong where the audiences and the opportunities are. Last evening’s concert at the State Trinity was a farewell one. After nearly eight years of work back in New Zealand, Mr McNeill will leave once again for overseas. Let us hope he will return soon, for without him the opportunities of hearing a singer of great versatility, of relaxed delivery, of fine technique, and of sensitive musicianship

are few. Mr McNeill was backed last evening by some of Christchurch’s top musicians. lan Edwards is as good a reeds player as one could hope to find anywhere. Jevan Telford is a young, fiery bass player of much promise, Murray Warner a pianist with great delicacy of touch, and Ted Meager a drummer of tricky but rock-steady rhythms. An unusual feature of the band was the presence of two guitarists, Kevin Nicholl and Keith Petch, both of whom have a wide vocabulary of harmonic changes and an acute sense of inner rhythm. Kevin Nicholl’s accompanying work in “Fool on the Hill” was one of the many highlights of the evening. Mr McNeill’s programme for the concert was in the

main a summary of the repertoire he has become known for over the years, There was a snappy “Fascinating Rhythm,” a pensive “As Time Goes By,” and quite the nicest “Surrey With a Fringe on Top” I have heard him sing. There was the cynical “Wheelers and Dealers,” a subtly drawn “Something,” and a further, very moving rendition of the song he has almost made his own, “God Bless the Child.” The whole presentation of this concert was a testimony to the professionalism of Malcolm McNeill, Songs were linked together smoothly with informative and witty talk, the arrangements were imaginative, and the musicians, in the main, sure of their lines. The balance of the group was excellent, and the control of the amplification sure.