Darren Heinrich's High 5

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Darren Heinrich is a versatile Sydney-based pianist & organist, who holds a 1st class Honours degree in Jazz from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where he studied with Judy Bailey and Kevin Hunt. His influences incorporate the entire spectrum of the Jazz idiom, from its earliest ragtime roots to modern jazz. He regularly gigs with his own trio and freelances with a wide variety of acts both locally and abroad.

Of late he has been exploring jazz organ music, travelling to the US to study with Hammond master Tony Monaco, and writing a thesis comparing the styles of Jimmy Smith and Larry Young. This led to gigs with Jason Campbell’s trio and later Erroll Buddle, taking Col Nolan’s place when Col was suffering a bout of ill-health. The organ now provides at least half of his work - ” I love the organ, it has a certain magic that makes people smile and tap their feet - including ME!”

2008 has turned out to be a very good year for Darren. In addition to releasing “The Jimmy Smith/Larry Young Project” on the LaBrava label, Darren has launched his own label, DazzJazz records, with the release of “New Vintage Tunes for the Hammond Organ”. He has also played piano on three CDs, for vocalists Anita Spring, Debra Blaquiere and Bob Donaldson. Live appearances this year include a Jazzgroove gig with New York saxophonist Jon Gordon, taking his own trio (featuring Steve Brien and Andrew Dickeson) to Wollongong Youth Jazz and Thredbo Jazz Festival’s, playing in Dale Barlow’s band at Bellingen Jazz Festival and a 10-day tour to Japan with trumpeter Todd Hardy. Darren’s performing and recording credits include: Jon Gordon, Dale Barlow, Dave Panichi, Jeremy Sawkins, Steve Brien, Erroll Buddle, Rick Robertson (DIG), James Valentine, Adrian Cunningham, Todd Hardy Quartet, Jo Fabro, Ray Beadle & the Vipers, Marcia Hines, Steve Prestwich (Cold Chisel), Blaine Whittaker, Australian Army Band, Kenny Lopez & the Havana Connection.

Darren is a recipient of the Jacek Chrostowski Encouragement Award for Jazz Piano and was Runner-up in the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s Young Composers Competition.

Darren’s Top Five (in no particular order)

1. Branford Marsalis Quartet, State Theatre, May 2002

The solution to the energy crisis! How can four guys create so much energy, play so many notes and still sound musical? I usually can’t stand a torrent of notes but Branford found all the right ones! Seriously though, there wasn’t a thing I didn’t like about this gig - great tunes (especially Tains) inspired playing and a sense of no tomorrow. Edge of your seat and wanting more when it ended.

2. Bobby Gebert Trio 60th Birthday gig, The Basement, 2004 (?)

Bobby was one of the first jazz pianists I ever heard live and he remains one of the most distinctive and a big influence. He is the real deal. I’d heard his trio at the Strawberry Hills Hotel many times and really loved it. However he really pulled something out of the bag on his birthday gig. His command of time, texture and harmony was simply miraculous. His original tunes sparkled and the standards he played sounded as if he wrote them. Wish I had a recording of this.

3. Dr. Lonnie Smith, Iridium Club, NYC, February 2006

I actually saw two gigs of Lonnie’s at the Iridium. The first night he played standards, the second he played his own deep funk stuff. On both nights I heard some of the most dynamic music ever. Of all the 1960s Blue Note Hammond crew, Lonnie is the only one still going strong and moving forward. Somehow, he manages to coax every tone colour out of the Hammond. He is also one of those rare artists that can have you transfixed by playing very little.

4. Stevie Ray Vaughn, Hordern Pavillion, 1984

I’ve always been drawn to the blues and found SRV’s “Couldn’t Stand The Weather” album so multi-layered. I wish I could burn like that on the keyboard! Seeing Stevie live at the height of his powers was a privilege and although it might sound trite, a spiritual experience for me. Some artists reveal both who they are effortlessly. I miss him.

5. Jimmy Smith Quartet, The Basement circa 1993

Despite Jimmy being jet-lagged and cranky, this was a special gig. It was the first time I’d heard the Hammond Organ live and I’ve been transfixed by the sound ever since. Watching Jimmy play the pedals and solo was simply amazing. Swinging blues-based jazz doesn’t get any better and the music was filled with humour - something sadly lacking from the scene these days.