Within the original Spiegeltent, folk would marvel at stained-glass murals, enjoying music and entertainment. In simple terms: a massive yurt. With a bar. And jazz. Marvellous idea, I say.

Shannon Marshall And The Soul Almighty began the final Jazz On Sunday Brisbane Festival session with pieces from their newest release, ‘Sunny’. In the soul and funk tradition, searing organist Dale Rabic, spot-on guitar great Jim Kelly, with Paul Hudson on the kit gave new light to great pieces from Etta James and Bobby Hebb.

Hailing from Sydney, the Gai Bryant Quintet present a Cuban/ funk/ gospel feel, featuring a flighty Gai Bryant on the saxophone and awesome trombone from Jeremy Borthwick, truculent double bass from Brendan Clarke, Cameron Read driving the train on kit, while the ribald guitarist Jeremy Sawkin rounded out the group.

The musicianship of these groups is astounding, dynamic freedom of solo evident, striking out in visceral ways. Both add to the usual modus: a dash of kookiness; a solemn approach, while totally pouring it on from the heart.

Jazz On Sunday was at the Spiegeltent 22.09.13