Peter Dasent and Phillip Johnston, A Jazz Conversation Across Time
The recent performance by Playing With Monk brought together two master musicians in a captivating dialogue that celebrated the wit spirit and beauty of jazz. Pianist Peter Dasent and saxophonist Phillip Johnston led the audience through an inspired journey that traversed the works of Thelonious Monk film composers Nino Rota and Ennio Morricone early jazz and blues classics and their own original compositions.
From the first notes it was clear that this was no ordinary duo. Dasent’s pianism combined lyricism with rhythmic playfulness while Johnston’s saxophone lines danced between tenderness and mischief. Their interplay was filled with spontaneity humour and deep musical empathy revealing years of experience and shared understanding.
The program moved effortlessly between Monk’s angular melodies cinematic themes and improvisations that reflected both musicians’ unique voices. The audience was immersed in music that was at once nostalgic and fresh bridging jazz history with contemporary imagination.
Peter Dasent well known for his film music compositions including Heavenly Creatures and Meet The Feebles and his long association with ABC’s Play School brought his characteristic warmth and melodic sensitivity to the stage. His experience as a composer broadcaster and performer lent the performance a richness and versatility that resonated deeply with listeners.
Phillip Johnston a native New Yorker with an extensive career in film scoring and performance infused the concert with his trademark inventiveness and expressive phrasing. His deep knowledge of jazz history and his ability to move effortlessly between styles made every solo an exploration of sound and emotion.
Together Dasent and Johnston created an atmosphere that was intimate playful and deeply musical. The concert was a joyful reminder of jazz as a living art form where tradition and innovation coexist and where two kindred spirits can make time stand still through the power of improvisation.