Pendulum

"…a rhythm section's dream pianist."
- John Shand, SMH

Born in NZ and raised in England, Judy Bailey went on to study piano at London's Trinity College before moving to Australia in 1960 and making it her home. In Sydney, Bailey became active in the local jazz scene and has since gone on to become one of Australia's leading musicians and composers.

'Pendulum' is a superb album from Bailey (her 6th), this time accompanied by Craig Scott (bass) and Tim Firth (drums). Recorded at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the listener is invited along to this studio performance of engaging and irresistible classic jazz repertoire and Bailey originals - and indeed, is compelled to swing along with the trio, back and forth, sweeping through the full range of Bailey's palette, from the quiet, reflective intro to "Flamingo" to the playful, joyous version of "Night and Day".

The gorgeous tones of all three musicians are captured intimately, as though they were ten feet in front of you, whilst the spontaneity and interaction speaks as though the trio had been playing for a full house.

'Pendulum' is an album to put along side the greats in your collection, from Bill Evans to Keith Jarrett, but Bailey is no mimic, she speaks with an authority that is clear and sure. Judy Bailey sounds like… Judy Bailey.