Live Review: Pugsley Buzzard

The Ellington is a gem in the Perth music scene. In the tradition of New York jazz clubs, patrons book tables and sip on martinis in the intimate downstairs bar, paying heed to signs such as “if it were background music, it wouldn't be on the stage right in front of you.” Should some Chatty McChatChat insist on talking, they will be asked to leave. Such is the level of respect for musicians as artists at The Ellington. And if anyone has earned the right to a respectful audience, it's Pugsley Buzzard.

At first glance, Buzzard looks like a bluesy jazz man. Built like a barrel, sporting a jet-black goatee and moustache and a waistcoat with watch chain, Buzzard could have stepped straight out of the Deep South. Indeed, he has spent time in New Orleans and its surrounds, though he hails from Perth and now lives in Sydney. In this instance, first impressions turn out to be on the money because the moment Buzzard growls good evening and plinks the piano keys, we are in honkey tonk, gravelly jazz heaven.

Buzzard is equal parts pianist and vocalist, and it is hard to know which to be more awed by. Buzzard turned out jazz standards such as Dinah, which in boogie style was hardly recognizable compared to Dean Martin's mellifluous rendition, and Fats Waller's The Viper's Drag.  His own numbers however, and a couple he picked in the US recently, were Buzzard at his dirty, bluesy, rag-time best. Black Dog was a musical education in the underbelly of depression; a talking blues number called Rag-time Monkey elicited audience participation and was rollicking good fun; and in Bad Attitude, Buzzard's snarling, petulant vocals declared he was in need of a double – one for him, and one for his bad attitude.

Mention must be made of Buzzard's sensational supporting musicians; Phil Waldron and Angus Diggs, on double bass and drums respectively. It appears they got the memo on pre-requisite facial hair, as they also displayed rather impressive beards and moustaches. Buzzard was generous in creating space for Waldron and Diggs to get creative with solos, and they displayed the skill and intuitive ability of those whose life's work is playing music. Buzzard and band's improvisational abilities were also extremely impressive, and one had the distinct impression that these three never play a song the same way twice. Which means that Friday night at The Ellington was a one-night-only kind of special.