The James Morrison Quartet in the Canberra International Music Festival

The standing ovation given at the end of the evening was testament to the calibre of a truly exceptional performance helmed by famed jazz musician James Morrison. His quartet included the talent of his two sons, William on guitar and Harry on bass, with drummer Patrick Danao, who were impressive in their energy.

Best known as a virtuosic trumpeter, Morrison wasted no time in opening the concert with Ferde Grofé's jazz standard On The Trail. Featuring the first of many agile trumpet solos, Morrison's world-famous tone was on full display. The character of this piece suited Morrison perfectly, its light-hearted nature matching a uniquely welcoming smile that remained for the duration of the concert. Indeed, the quartet's unrelenting positivity during the evening – and that of James Morrison in particular, who could be heard singing along with his later piano playing, evidently loving every minute – left the audience with genuine enjoyment.

Morrison's clarity of pitch on both trumpet and trombone was especially dazzling; the latter featuring in Antonio Carlos Jobim's If You Never Come To Me, which truly sang with elegant vibrato. Back on trumpet (a swap made again with unfaltering ease), Morrison's slurs were equally outstanding and his intonation was pinpoint accurate over what must have been at least four octaves. Morrison doubled as an engaging MC, quick to explain jazz traditions for anyone in the audience who might have been unfamiliar with the genre. In particular, he demonstrated the unique piano style of Erroll Garner, interpreting The Way You Look Tonight with the authenticity and class of the late jazz pianist.

The final piece, bassist Ray Brown's The Real Blues, was an excellent showcase of the talent present in the whole quartet. Harry Morrison began with an outstanding bass solo, aptly pushing the boundaries of what is possible on bass under the control of a fine performer. James Morrison superbly demonstrated circular breathing with a sustained tremolo on the same note, keeping the audience in anticipation for the finale.

Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the evening was the unity of talent among the whole quartet. The family resemblance between the three Morrisons was evident in their ability and playing style. William Morrison's guitar solos were crisp and usually performed with closed eyes, aptly matching the performance traits and ability of his father. Similarly, drummer Danao was rock-steady – likely the most important aspect for any jazz ensemble. Programming the James Morrison Quartet was an excellent decision; the audience will be thinking of this outstanding concert well beyond this year's festival.