REVIEWS

NEW ZEALAND EMBASSY MADRID
‘ THEY PLAYED SUPERBLY ‘  demonstrating not only their technical prowess but also a clear musical understanding built up through their years of performing together.  The audience – clearly impressed – was enthusiastic in their response.
I have no hesitation in recommending Duo Jackson as performers.  They are great professionals, adapting readily to the venue and audience.  They are also good ambassadors for New Zealand.   It was a pleasure to host them in Madrid as fellow Kiwis.

Geoff Ward
Ambassador

“VIRTUOSITY SHOWN BY CLASSIC DUO” – “the DuoJackson gave an impressive display of classical guitar and violin virtuosity at Hastings on Saturday night” – “audience was spellbound”
– Hastings Arts Council

“SKILLED PLAYING BY INNOVATIVE DUO” –
Christchurch Press

“SPELL-BINDING DISPLAY OF DAZZLING VIRTUOSITY, the Jackson Duo captured the audience”
– Central Otago News

“DUO JACKSON IMPRESS WITH POLISH AND PANACHE”
– Otago Daily Times

“AUDIENCE RESPONDS WITH STANDING OVATION”
– Central Otago News

“DUO JACKSON SOUL – LIFTING”
– THE NEWS

“TOP SHOW FROM JACKSONS” – Wanganui Chronical

VIRTUOSO NIGHT ON “THE MUSIC OF SPAIN”

On 31 March 2007, the versatile “Spine” of Pataka was transformed into the ambiance of a Spanish cabaret to stage “Andalucian Nights.” The outstanding guitarist Miles Jackson displayed his virtuosity in both Classical and Flamenco styles, reflecting superbly the Andalucian mix of Old Spanish, Moorish, Mozarabic, Jewish and Gypsy styles.

Jackson’s inspired programme ranged from traditional pieces, like the spine tingling Granadina and Fandango de Huelva, to the all-too-simple wonderful compositions of Francisco Tarrega ( Capprichio Arabe, and Requerdos de la Alhambra), to Spanish variations on Mozart’s Magic Flute. Also especially enjoyable was Miles own composition Andalucian Waltz.

Over 90 people heard Miles Jackson’s truely memorable virtuoso performance.

Partnership of Violin and Guitar

Marama Hall, Otago University Music Dept.  Showcase

lunchtime series

Wednesday March 24th 2010

Reviewed by Elizabeth Bouman

This week’s Lunchtime concert at Marama Hall was very well attended, and the appreciative audience was spellbound at times under the influence of the unique sound of classical guitar and violin in duo.

Duo Jackson are Margaret and Miles Jackson, international performers who live in Nelson. Playing together for over 35 years has developed such precision in their interpretation, producing absolutely identical subtle syncopation and rubato in every phrase of their music. Their recital of 10 items took a music tour through various genres, including Classical, Latin, Jazz, Flamenco and Eastern European Gypsy.

The opening number, a contemporary piece named Wave immediately set the two musicians at the top of their trade, as violin passages alternated between ethereal thin-toned and rich passionate soaring lyricism, all exquisitely partnered by clean pure toned guitar texture.

Two solo guitars numbers, one strongly Flamenco and the other Andalucian Waltz, composed by Miles Jackson while on tour in Spain, demonstrated great skill, with clean authoritative tone and contrasting dynamics enlivening melody–lines.

A heavier rather foreboding mood opened Two Guitars, a traditional Russian Folk number, before the music blossomed in unfaltering balance and rapport, with softer passages, delicate but never fragile.

Three Cuban pieces varied in tempo and moods.

Whether hauntingly lyrical or fast and whimsical, the effect was absolutely mesmerising. I could have listened to this relaxing style of performance all afternoon.

The words “ Music is communication in the space where we dream “ printed as a footnote on the programme say it all.