Carl Orr’s London Underground

Adelaide Guitar Festival

The Space

15 September 2024

****1/2

Carl Orr left Adelaide many years ago to seek success as a jazz guitarist firstly in Sydney and then in London. He achieved many of his goals, firstly, as guitarist with ex Miles Davis drummer Billy Cobham and then a long term regular spot at London’s most famous jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s, with his London Underground band. But now he’s home and this was his first appearance at the Guitar Festival.

This was a show in two halves. The first set was largely acoustic with Orr opening solo, playing a few originals finger style on his trusty steel string acoustic, followed by a few standards on electric.

The concert then took an unexpected turn with Guitar Festival director, Slava Grigoryan joining Orr for a few duets. The contrast in styles was obvious, but it worked as a positive, creating some very memorable music.

This contrast became apparent again when local guitar legend James Muller replaced Slava for some more duets, with Muller on electric jazz guitar. Muller played some wonderful solos, complimented by Orr’s dazzling technique.

The first set then ended with all three guitarist joining together to produce some brilliant music. This was a special moment, Adelaide’s three most prominent guitarist in a trio setting, magic. Worth the ticket price just to see this.

For the second set Orr went full electric with his Adelaide version of London Underground. They were joined on the first two songs by Muller who yet again demonstrated that he is a world class guitarist. With Orr on electric and backed by an excellent band, Carl Orr showed just why he achieved so much in his years away. This was modern fusion played with style and power.

London’s loss is Adelaide’s gain.