reviews

Excerpt from Live Review of "Stories" launch at The Basement, November 2, 1994

John Shand - Sydney Morning Herald

"Phantom Of The Piano"

"Who is Bill Risby? The phantom of the Sydney jazz scene would be a fair response. "Having recently released an enchanting debut album entitles "Stories" Risby finally appeared in the flesh to play two early evening sets at The Basement as a launch for this CD. With him were drummer Simon Barker and bassist John Aue, standing in for Craig Scott. Together they proved that the triumph was no fluke."

"Some variation to the piano trio format was introduced via the use of melodica for one latin-flavoured piece. Risby's supple playing and dynamic nuances made this "toy" instrument infinitely more subtle than any imitative synthesizer."

"Risby is blessed with beautiful touch on the keyboard, no doubt helped by the fact that he has been playing since the age of 3. To the technique and touch is added a glorious sense of shape and colour, and a musical personality that is exuberant, warm, self-effacing and impassioned."