Australian saxophonist Dale Barlow (above) must have picked up his work ethic from legendary drummer Art Blakey. 'Art would rather take a gig at a club that involved playing seven nights a week rather than do one big concert, even if the concert paid more, because he wanted to play. He was the original roadhog, he was unstoppable,' Barlow told the Post on a recent visit. Blakey's baton seems to have been passed to Barlow who, constantly in demand, almost makes the road his own home these days, and who will be blowing up a storm at Brown on Thursday (June 14). He was a big name back home before the end of his teens, and soon found himself playing with the Gil Evans Orchestra and the likes of trumpeter Chet Baker and pianist Kenny Barron. But Barlow's luckiest break came when he left for New York at 21 and found himself, like a string of 'chosen' players before him, anointed by the great Blakey. Barlow was called up to his legendary Jazz Messengers, which he served with distinction for two years until Blakey's death in October 1990, honing his musicianship and sealing his reputation. Barlow's Hong Kong gigs have always been noted for their passion and atmosphere as much as their technical excellence - meaning next week's engagement is one not to be missed. Appearing in two guises at the Jazz Club this week is multi-talented vocalist Angelita Li. Tomorrow she will feature in one of her trademark A Night of a Dif'rent Vibe of Jazz nights, at which the exotic fare will be acid jazz, jazz hop and Brazilian fusion, and she'll be back on Tuesday (June 12) to play an acoustic set with guitarist Dan Lavelle, appropriately as half of the duo called Acoustique. You may think it unsettling, but following two apparently clashing disciplines is straightforward for this particular talent. She says of her philosophy, 'Jazz is about infinite creation, free form, skills and emotion and I treasure each set-up. You must know the vocabulary of the music, pay your dues and be versatile.' And back at Brown, the other big noise of the week will be YoMama, featuring the Cary Abrams Quartet (June 13). One of the most popular Hong Kong outfits, it delivers blues, jazz, R&B, Latin and reggae.
