Artists Profiles (Jazz, Blues, Funk, World, Acoustic)

Aaron Choulai - Born in Papua New Guinea. A pianist who has recorded with top New York musicians such as James Genus and Clarence Penn. Performs with his own sextet and takes influences from Motuan chants, traditional Jewish and classical musics. Aaron Flower  - Guitarist and composer of intellect and beautiful melodic qualities. Collaborator with Vince Jones and Elana Stone. Flower blossoms however leading his own groups and presenting his own original compositions. Adam Pache  - Adam's passion, professionalism and knowledge of the various jazz idioms have kept him in high demand, having performed and recorded with many of Australia's most respected musicians, including Don Burrows, Mike Nock, Dale Barlow, Janet Seidel, Emma Pask, Bernie McGann, James Muller, Jonathan Zwartz and Barney McCall, as well as the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, and the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra. In the pursuit of greater knowledge and experience, Adam has spent a great deal of time studying in New York City, where he now resides, with drummers Carl Allen (Jackie McLean, Freddie Hubbard), Greg Hutchinson (Betty Carter, Ray Brown) and Rodney Green (Christian McBride, Greg Osby). Alex Compton - currently leading a jazz duo named "C'est si bon", singing in French a number of French songs, as well as some Jazz and Bossa Nova classics.(Alex grew up in France and after 21 years returned to Sydney in 1993). Alex Compton, on upright bass, vocals and hi hats, and Trevor Gascoigne on guitar. Alex Legg  - Foot-stomping rhythms, rolling syllables are evident in Alex's performances, and in particular in his unique approach to guitar playing. Fed by many musical rivers since those early times on the farm, his influences include The Rolling Stone, Beatles, Kinks, Johnny Cash and Kris, Willie and Prine. Alex now writes songs that transcend genre and will take you through a picture-book of experience, past a country-song take on love and commitment, and into the Motown-rhythm of 'You Gotta Laugh Sometimes' then onto a funk-folk, 'Come Sit Ye Down Awhile'. A harmonica-laced 'Seven Creatures' swing by, walking their blues-tinged dogs! Alex Silver - Trombonist who studied in Switzerland and was a finalist in the James Morrison Scholarship at the Mt Gambier Jazz Festival. She leads her own quartet which is a showcase for her own original compositions. She is a graduate of jazz studies Course at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. In 2006 Alex won the inaugural Jann Rutherford Memorial Award and performed at the Melbourne International Women’s Jazz Festival. Adrian Cunningham Quartet  - Originals and standards led by the young and versatile Adrian Cunningham. Bebop and beyond. Aside from being a gifted Saxophonist, Clarinettist, Flautist and Pianist, he is also an accomplished composer, arranger and bandleader. In the last few years, Adrian has risen to become one of the most versatile and sought after musicians in Sydney as a freelance musician and featured soloist. Read more... Trio Apoplectic  - A piano-less ensemble made up of Dave Jackson on alto, Alex Masso on drums and Abel Cross on bass having emerged out of the Sydney Conservatorium, the trio have built upon the foundation of the Bernie McGann trio but individual passages of free-form improvisation embellishes their sound along with lesser known compositions from Mal Waldron and Thelonious Monk. Adrian Klumpes  - "Klumpes proves to have a distinct voice in the genre of modern electro-acoustic piano music, and when he gets it right you don't forget it easily." - BOOMKAT. Adrian is also the pianist in the electro-improvisational trio 3ofmillions. Aerobleu  - Known for the party vibe they create in their shows Aerobleu combines soul, funk, reggae and R&B, with honest, original song-writing with Simon Relf - Guitar/Vocals Bob Kirkpatrick - Trumpet/Keyboard/Vocals Marc Llewellyn - Bass Alex Masso - Drums. Afro Moses - Nine piece African multicultural band Al Davey  - Plays trumpet in his own group the 'Monstars'. Studying under James Morrison, Roger Frampton, Paul McNamara and Judy Bailey etc he developed a firm grounding in the more modern styles of jazz. With recognition as one of the truly versatile musicians in Sydney, Al is at home playing authentic 'trad' jazz, be bop and beyond, latin, and is an established lead trumpeter in big band sections. Capable of reaching 'James Morrisonesque' high notes on the trumpet. Read more... Alcohotlicks - Defying modern Jazz conventions in search of a fresh approach, the trio have forged a sound all of their own. Their original compositions are influenced by all areas of guitar music from folk and blue grass to heavy rock and Indian. Two guitars and cajon. A trio lead by Evan Mannell, Aaron Flower and Ben Hauptmann. Read more... Alister Spence  - unique original piano compositions by one of the most influential and distinguished piano players in Australia. Anchor of Clarion Fracture Zone and Australian Art Orchestra. 'A Spence tune is immediately substantial, broad in its possibilities and cerebral and earthy at the same time' Shane Nichols, AFR. Read more... Allan Browne - Drummer Allan Browne has been leading bands since 1960 (The Red Onions amongs others), and was a member of the Paul Grabowsky Trio for 20 years. Remarkable ability to cross between jazz genres seamlessly. Andrew Dickeson  - One of the world’s great post bop drummers. A finalist in the 1991Thelonious Monk competition and the first choice for many visiting international jazz players. Able to create melodic and edgey solos reminiscent of Philly Jo Jones, Art Taylor and Art Blakey with one of the most relaxed and effortless techniques. Andrew exemplifies the jazz drumming text book. Has supported such heavyweights as Branford Marsalis, Lee Konitz and Johnny Griffin. He is currently the Principal Lecturer of Jazz Drums at the University of Sydney Conservatorium of Music at the same time being one of the country’s most sourt after jazz drummers. Andrea Keller  - Since winning the inaugural Freedman Jazz Fellowship in 2001, an ARIA award in 2002 for her CD Thirteen Sketches, a Bell Award in 2003 for Best Australian Contemporary Jazz Album and the ARIA award for Best Jazz Album in 2004, pianist composer Andrea Keller has become recognised more widely as an original voice on the Australian jazz scene. "One of this Country's most daring and fascinating composers" - Leon Gettler. Read more... and more... Andrew Robertson  - Tenor saxophonist from the school of Lester Young but keen to explore the extensions of Hard-bop. Read more... Andy Fiddes  - Trumpeter/composer of 'joyful and creative exuberance, showing some of the fresh and musically exciting possibilities remaining to be explored within the jazz tradition' Mike Nock. Leads the band 'Survival of the Fiddes' formed in 2000 as a showcase for Andy's compositions. Andy has performed with The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra, Phil Slater's Very Very Interactive Band and Adrian Klumpes Four Degrees. After graduating from the Sydney Conservatorium, Andy lived in the UK in 2003 and 2004, where he worked with musicians Seb Rochford and Larry Bartley, winners of the BBC Jazz Rising Star award. He also performed as a headline act for the 'Australian Jazz' section of Villa Celimontana Jazz Festival in Rome. Read more... and more... Andy Firth - Andy is not only one of the finest clarinet and saxophone players in the world today, but he is also a gifted composer and a dedicated educator. Wherever he performs, he leaves critics and fellow players gasping in awe of his ability to either dazzle with his blindingly fast, fluent technique or his soulful, beautiful tone. Andrew Robson   - Hard swinging and direct, with a jumping, danceable melodic quality that references Ornette Coleman. Now a solid member of the iconic group Ten Part Invention and The World According to James. Andrew has a style on alto saxophone heavily weighted in the post bop genre. In 2003 Andrew was awarded the Freedman Jazz Fellowship. His trio subsequently performed at JazzFest Berlin to great acclaim. Anita Mahon  - Irish born Anita Mahon is a vocalist/ actress and vocal tutor. She has spent most of her creative life living and working in the West of Ireland. Although the theatre has been her home away from home, the path of discovery to the inner voice has been one of her life's most important quests. This journey has lead to her studying and collaborating with many musicians, performers and body workers and to the exploration of a wide variety of singing styles including jazz, choral, traditional Irish and Asian chant. Anita has worked with a number of choirs and formed and directed a number of vocal ensembles namely, Danú-sa, the Swingettes and the Clarinbridge Singers. Anita Pollard -www.anitasong.com Anita Spring  - Sydney talent Anita Spring, is responsible for the hit ‘Blink (Stay A Little Longer)’… With an uplifting and soulful sound, Anita’s jazz vocals are unique. Whether performing with a big band or the glitz of a grand piano, there are few finer examples of Australian vocal talent. Ant - A saxophone trio formed by Mathew Clare, using concepts as the core to songs, Ant chews bits of ideas until hammer time comes. Armandito Y Su Trovason  – High energy original Afro-Cuban band led by Armando Garcia Perez. Their repertoire includes some of the most popular rhythms of Cuba including son, danzon and bolero. Aronas  - Led by Aron Ottignon, this quartet has two drummers and has a huge percussive and bass sound but sufficient space for the keyboard of Ottignon to improvise through. The band has developed somewhat of a cult following amongst in Sydney's youth, appealing to grunge rockers and art music lovers alike. Aron Ottignon  - Aron made an impact on the Australian scene at the Wangaratta Jazz Festival when he won second place in the National Jazz Piano Competition at the age of 16. He has since built a considerable reputation working with James Morrison, Jackie Orszaczky and his own trio. Ashley Turner  - Bop based double bass player who studied with Ron Carter in New York City in the 1990's. Performs with his own Quartet and an in demand side man. Arrebato  - – Led by guitarist Greg Alfonzetti, Arrebato is an original musical work of contemporary Flamenco featuring cello, mandolin, bass, guitar and drums. Attaclapse - 9 piece Afrobeat Orchestra Balcano - Led by George Doukas, Balcano crosses cultural boundaries to perform an exciting fusion of everything from traditional Greek and Balkan tunes to Bulgarian and Hungarian Gypsy music, and contemporary Serbian songs. The group blends the bouzouki, guitar, baglama, tzoura, percussion, drums, bass, and keyboards with clarinet, saxophone and trumpet. Balcano’s performance delivers a big sound with great dance rhythms. Balcan Quartet - Formed around the guitar duo Pera & Pera, the Balkan quartet play a fusion of Serbian, Gypsy, Slavic and Eastern European music. Experience this popular fusion of sounds created by these four highly-experienced and talented musicians that comprise the Balkan Quartet. Banda Mundo - Groovy fresh original Brazilian Jazz dance music infused with influences from all over the world. Featuring top musicians from the Brazilian, Jazz, Pop and Gypsy scene, these guys really know how to play and entertain! Band of Five Names - Formed in 1998, BOFN has become one of the most important and renowned free Jazz groups in Australia. Their music evolves out of a blend of composed structures and free improvisation defying categories as it draws together many influences from contemporary Jazz to Western classical music and from traditional music to modern electronica. Bellhops - 6 piece rhythm and blues band. . Bellhops were the 2003 Australian Blues Awards (the Chain Awards) Band of the Year and had Album of the Year for their release 'No Reservations'. They were runner up for the 1999 album of the year with their debut release 'Room Service'. Ben Jones  - – Tenor saxophonist in the tradition of greats Ben Webster and Scott Hamilton. Benny's Boys - Led by Trevor Rippingale, the Band celebrates the music of the King of Swing, Benny Goodman Ben Waples  - Young bass player of choice who has the rare ability of making his instrument sing in a variety of modern settings. Ben Winkelman - Diverse, dynamic, hard-hitting, free-thinking, the Ben Winkelman Trio is a contemporary jazz piano trio that draws on diverse influences, which range from Herbie Hancock to Jelly Roll Morton, Brazilian music, Afro-Cuban music, gospel and Bartok. Bernie McGann  - One of the most distinctive alto players in the world. Hard Bop at it's best. Bernie's unique alto saxophone voice, now as well recognised in Europe and the US as here in Australia. 'there is no more instantly engaging nor distinctive alto saxophone sound on the planet than McGann's' John Shand. Performs with his quartet including Warwick Alder, Andrew Dickeson drums and Brendan Clarke bass and often in the Susan Gai Dowling Band. Bernie has performed at the famous Ronnie Scott’s club in London. In 1992, 1995 and 1997 Bernie won ARIAS for Best Australian Jazz Album. Bill Dudley's New Orleanians - New Orleans style Jazz with cornet, trombone and clarinet Bill Risby  - One of the most versatile keyboardists in the country. Bill performs with his own trio, the Adrian Cunningham Quartet and a number of other contemporary jazz bands. With a background in both jazz and classical, Bill Risby has performed extensively in Australia, played with many international artists, including Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra and Julio Iglesias, a diverse array of Australian popular artists from Marcia Hines to Daryl Braithwaite and recorded six albums to date. Blaine Whittaker  - Blaine is undeniably one of the most sought after saxophonists in Australia with his band, GrooveBag, and as a freelance musician. In 1990, Blaine graduated from the Brisbane Conservatorium. In 1991, Blaine received the top prize at Generations in Jazz, the James Morrison scholarship, recognising him as the most promising new Jazz artist in Australia. Since that time, he has become a permanent member and featured soloist of the James Morrison Sextet touring nationally and internationally. Bob Baird  – An Australian Jazz Drummer and also a multi Latin American Percussionist. He has been entertaining audiences in Australia and Europe for over 45 years. He began playing drums at age 13 working with a variety of groups playing Weddings, Balls, Movie Theatres and University Jazz Festivals. He studied drums with Studio musician and Jazz Drummer, Derek Fairbrass and legendary Jazz Drummer Jackie Dougan when Jackie moved to Australia after being the house drummer at Ronnie Scotts Jazz Club in London for many years. Bob worked in the early 1970’s with Sydney Cabaret club bands and backed 100’s of prominent Australian entertainers. He has worked with many iconic Australian Jazz musicians including Bob Barnard, George Golla, Errol Buddle, Bob Henderson, Col Nolan, Ed Gaston, Chris Taperell, Graham Bell, Kevin Hunt and George Washing Machine. Bob is the drummer in the Mike Hallam All Stars, Jack Wiard Classic Swing Quartet/Quintet and the Errol Buddle Quartet/Quintet and also as a freelance musician. He has played many Australian Jazz Festivals and International Jazz Festivals in England, Edinburgh, Norway, Holland, Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and in the USA. Bob Barnard  - probably Australia's most internationally respected traditional/mainstream Jazz musician. Barnard has made an art of original and logical improvisation on the trumpet especially in the mainstream genre. Bob has received the Order of Australia, two Mo Awards was the 1997 Jazz Performer of the Year and has been the featured artist on many occasions at London's Ronnie Scotts. Interview... Bob Bertles - integral member of Ten Part Invention, Bertles is a master of the saxophones and flute. Bob is one of the founders of the Sydney hard-bop scene of the late 1950's and early 1960's when he played jazz in his spare time and in the horn sections of bands like Johnny O'Keefe's to pay the bills. His quintet has the feel of classic hard bop. He remains just as important to that scene today. His quintet enjoys the wonderful talent of trumpeter Warwick Alder. Bobby Gebert  - One of Australia's foremost post bop pianists.. There is little doubt that Bobby Gebert is one of Australia's elite jazz musicians, with over 40 years of outstanding achievements here and abroad, a pianist renowned for his excellent interpretation of Thelonious Monk, creativity and command of bebop based idioms. Now fronting a rhythm section of younger musicians well known on the Sydney scene, he continues to search for new musical territory, creating inspiring solos from compositions from the standard jazz repertoire (Monk, Ellington) to lesser known pieces and his originals ' swing, elegance of phrase and improvisational flair are Gebert's trade marks. Bobby Singh   - Studied tablas in Bombay with the legendary Nikhil Ghosh, and now divides his time between India and Australia, where he has quickly become a 'must see' performer on the world music circuit as well as the Indian Classical scene. He has performed with Ashok Roy, Shubha Mudgal, Aneesh Pradhan, Slava Grigoriyan, Joseph Tawadros and Flamenco Dreaming . He is currently working with The Bird, Circle of Rhythm and Dha. Bob Henderson Jazz Band  - ex Graeme Bell Allstars with Louis Armstrong influence. Graeme Bell invited him to join the All Stars in 1979 and during the 80's performed extensively throughout Australia and internationally. Currently he is involved with the Graeme Bell Reunion Band organised to celebrate Graeme's 90th. Bob Montgomery  - Internationally recognised trumpeter who has performed with Sammy Davis Jr, Diana Ross, Tony Bennett, Quincy Jones, Clark Terry and Nancy Wilson. Bob Sedergreen - www.bobsedergreen.com Bonnie J Jensen  - Draws on many influences, sounding sometimes reminiscent of Renee Geyer. At other times, traces of Peggy Lee or Sarah Vaughan emerge…. Jensen's title ballad [The Sapphire Tree], an original, displays a talent for both musical composition and poetic lyrics, evident too on "Neon Soliloquy": "Like a diamond in the river, as precious as the African rain, this glimpse of bliss will sustain you - again and again…” Read more... Brandon O’Donnell  - – Having played Australia wide and also Internationally Brandon O’Donnell has made his mark as a versatile and respected bassplayer. Brandon has played with many of Sydney’s best artists, musicians and bands and has studied under some of the countries best bassplayers including Steve Hunter, Mark Costa and Andrew Meisel. With a vast array of local, national and international tours under his belt, playing in all manner of musical situations Brandon O’Donnell’s ability to slip into any scenario has made him a highly sought after bass-player and one to watch. Brendan Clarke   - Brendan has built a reputation as one of the most in demand bass players on the Sydney scene. He's worked with Sandy Evans, Dale Barlow, Bobby Gebert, James Morrison, Bernie McGann, Don Burrows and George Golla. Brett Hirst   - Brett's ability to play creative bass over a wide range of styles has lead to him becoming one of the most sought after bass players in the Australian jazz scene. In 2001 he qualified as one of 10 national finalists at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz National Jazz Awards Bass Competition. Brett Spokes - Saxophonist has earned himself an impressive reputation as both a performer and arranger across a diverse range of genres including Jazz, Classical and Fusion. As a session musician in Melbourne, Brett worked with a number of headline acts such as Peter Sullivan and Billy Cobham. He is actively involved in Music Ministry as a performer and arranger, and as a leading Music Educator. Brett and his wife Rebecca are the directors of Faith City Academy of the Arts, Wodonga. He has studied saxophone with leading Australian saxophonists Barry Cockcroft and Lachlan Davidson. Brett's influences include artists such as Michael Brecker, David Leibman, Everette Harp, and Dave Koz to name a few. He has performed regularly with Funk Bands in and around Melbourne and is constantly exploring new directions in music performance. Briana Cowlishaw  – Read more... and more... Bridge City Jazz Band - Dixieland Jazz for dancing. Expect the unexpected sit in. Cafe Society Orchestra - Reproducing the classic Jazz era. Paul Whiteman to Artie Shaw, Benny Goodman & more. Calle Macondo - Calle Macondo plays an exclusive repertoire of Latin American classic musical styles and rhythms covering cumbia, salsa, son, bullaranga, danzon and more. Beautiful melodies and poetic lyrics inspired by people and their sacred landscapes blend with the magical flavour and hypnotic powers of the drum and its African roots in a performance that will make you want to dance! Calvin Turner - Originally from New Orleans, this 21 year old has played bass with BB King, Kenny Loggins, Larry Carlton and the Temptations. He now plays drums and is based in Sydney. Cameron Undy  - Performs with his own group 20th Century Dog. Electronic Funk and Groove. Cameron Undy, originally from Canberra,Cameron has played with many notable Jazz artists in Australia including Mike Nock, Roger Frampton, Ten Part Invention, Dale Barlow, Paul Grabowsky and Bernie McGann. He has also worked with overseas artists Don Pullen, Sam Rivers, Eddie Aklaff and Vincent Herring. Read more... Cam McAllister  – Trumpet player/composer from Melbourne, Australia. Some of the musicians/bands he has toured or played with include: Alice Cooper, Natalie Imbruglia, Roger Daltrey, Jimmy Barnes, Petula Clark, Peter Frampton, Hugh Jackman and Joe Camilleri's JazzHeads, Gordon Brisker, Jamie Oehlers, Rumberos and the Melbourne Jazz Orchestra. In addition, Cam is writing for and leading his own quintet involving some of Australia's premier jazz musicians including: Dave Rex, Mark Fitzgibbon, Tamara Murphy, Ben VanderWal. Cam is currently in the Melbourne Navy Band and gigging around Melbourne. Carl Dewhurst  - Exciting and Funky Groove Based Post Bop Guitarist. It should be no surprise that Carl is a member of the Australian Art Orchestra. His Quartet is exciting and very funky in the best sense of that over used term. Carl has an extensive performance resume both in Australian and internationally. He was a finalist at the Wangaratta guitar competition and is currently working with James Morrison's band and with Paul Grabowsky's Australian Art Orchestra. Think John Schofield and John McLaughlin. Also plays in the Susan Gai Dowling Band. Read more... Carlitos Orchestra  – ten piece salsa band led by Colombian composer Carlos Naranjo. Their music is a fusion of traditional Puerto Rican salsa and Colombian rhythms, a strong influence of Cuban guajira and charanga, with an added tinge of jazz. Carrie Lakin  - A dynamic Sydney singer performing the best of Jazz, Blues, Pop and Soul. Carrie recently returned from a successful six-month gig in Tokyo and was featured at the 2005 Tauranga (NZ) Jazz Festival. Read more... Casanova - Led by Miguel Guzman, Casanova has over the years presented both Afro-Funk and Latin American music, incorporating various line-ups according to each style. Casanova often features well known local jazz musicians and tonight’s concert is no exception with Jason Gubbay - piano/keyboards, David Seidel - double bass, Stuart Crocks – drums, Richard Booth – saxophones/flute, and Miguel Guzman – vocals, guitar and percussion. Cassandra Eager - smooth jazz vocalist. Carol Ralph - Jazz vocals with a New Orleans twist. Performs with a number of traditional bands including her own quartet. Carbon7 - Funky soul jazz, 70s rare groove, 80s remixed with loops and some craziness...Featuring Taline Kalaidjian on vocals, Carbon 7 takes on the greats...Nina Simone vs Jimi Hendrix, The Doors vs Buddy Rich, Massive Attack vs Herbie Hancock. Joined by Jeremy Craib on keys, John Maddox on double bass/fx and Ivan Jordan on kit. Catherine Hunter  - beautiful alto vocalist of mainstream Jazz standards. Read more... ...and more... Charlotte Jane  - – Jazz , funk & soul, ft. Charlotte Jane on vocals and violin, along with husband Shami on guitar and some of Sydney's finest on keys, bass & drums. Original grooves, classy funk and quirky arrangements of classic jazz. Charlotte Rose - – Former singer with Sydney blues band Smallfry. Charlotte studied under renowned Jazz singer and Eastside radio host, Paula Langlands. She sings with her own band covering a combination of jazz, funk and soul classics, as well as her own original material. Charmaine Ford Trio - One of New Zealand's true piano masters. Studied with Fred Hersch and Danilo Perez at 24 yrs Charmaine Ford has an exciting future ahead of her. Chasing the Moon   - – Plays gypsy-styled jazz in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. The exuberant and romantic sounds of jazz manouche are blended with classic American swing and south of the border Latin to create an engaging and lively performance style. There is freshness in the way the band combines different styles – a mix of hot club with the blues, a touch of folk, flirting with Latin rhythms, lashings of swing with something modern too. And there is excitement, as if they are discovering it all for the first time; taking chances and taking the audience with them. The frontline consists of Kathy Bluff on lead vocals and violin, Paul Burjan on saxophone and flute and Peter Malone on guitar. The rhythm section features John Conley (Galapagos Duck) on double bass and Tony Keep on drums. Chasing the Moon has just released a new CD entitled “ Nuages” Chris Abrahams - One of the most distinctive keyboardists Australia has produced. Chris currently performs with cult band 'The Necks', Melanie Oxley and the Hunting Party and is one of Sydney's most in demand session players. He has released three highly acclaimed solo piano albums. Chris Robinson - Christopher Paul Robinson, Electric/Acoustic Guitarist & Composer) has performed with artists including David Friesen, Kai Eckhardt, George Brooks, Trilok Gurtu, Alan Pasqua throughout the United States and Europe. He grew up in Hornsby, NSW, and studied with various guitarists in the Sydney area (including Leon Stenning & James Muller during his early teens). He later attended the Sydney Conservatorium of Music (Jazz Performance) until he re-located to the United States. He resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. Chris Stewart  - With a keen interest in West African Drumming, 1920s American Blues, 1930-50s Afro-Cuban (Cuban Son), alt country and the Gypsy Rumba of Southern Europe; Chris' songwriting has no doubt made an immense transformation from his former rock influence. With the sensibilities of artists such as Sting, Simon and Garfunkel and Dave Matthews Band (who similarly draw from World music traditions), Chris ties together the soul, groove and contagiousness of these styles with a western and rock approach to his compositions. Chris is currently playing live gigs in pubs and bars Sydney wide. Chuck Morgan  - Long time guitarist with Sydney singer Janet Seidel’s trio. Plays with a superb restrained touch in a support role and impeccable taste when soloing. Chuck Yates Trio - Swinger with tremendous energy on piano. Bebop at its best featuring the great John Pochee. Cin Cin - (pronounced chin-chin) is led by jazz violinist/vocalist Melissa Cox. This unique lineup brings a fresh colour to the standard jazz repertoire. Clayton Doley  - Most recognised in the blues genre Clayton also has a jazz organ trio and is Australia's most in demand Hammond Organ player both locally and internationally. Clayton first gained recognition as 'The Teenage Genius of The Hammond Organ' in iconic Australian blues band The Mighty Reapers. He played with Jackie Orszaczky for over a decade on and off, has lived and worked in NYC and Toronto and toured the globe both as a band leader and sideman. He has worked as a television music director for The Sideshow (ABC) and Good News Week (10). He hes performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, Toronto Jazz Festival, Vancouver Jazz Festival and numerous festivals across Europe. He is also in demand in the rock/pop scene having toured with The Divinyls, Billy Thorpe, Jimmy Barnes and Renee Geyer. Coffin Brothers Quartet   - Original Australian Jazz with a groove. Read more... Col Loughnan - Col is one of Australia's most respected wind instrumentalists, performers, arrangers, session musicians and teacher. He's supported the creme de la creme of local and international Jazz artists. . He joined the Faculty of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music as Lecturer in Jazz Saxophone in 1979. He has toured and recorded in the USA with his own group Ayers Rock in 1974 and 1976. Col Nolan   - a legendary figure on the Australian Jazz scene, and the undisputed master of the Hammond Organ. The piano and keyboards swing to life when he's at work. His many bands have supported visiting artists such as Benny Goodman, The Modern Jazz Quartet and Dave Brubeck. As a member of Galapagos Duck he led the most exciting rhythm section in Australia. Col was a foundation member of the Daly Wilson Big Band. Cooks River Jazz Band - features Ray Martin on bass, Mal Francis on piano, John Wright on trumpet Dave Jensen on sax and Len young on drums. Groovey Swingin Jazz. Craig Calhoun  - - ' Australian for bass funk. Leader of the Brothers of Oz. Craig Scott - Craig has been one of Australia’s leading bassists for over 25 years. He began his career in 1979 with the Keith Stirling Quartet. Since then he has been a member of many other groups such as Don Burrows, James Morrison, Julian Lee, Kerrie Biddell, Paul McNamara, Steve McKenna, Judy Bailey and many others. He leads his own quintet featuring Warwick Alder, Paul Cutlan, Tim Firth and Tim Fisher. As Chair of Jazz Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and co-ordinator of the Master of Music (Jazz) Degree and frequently gives master classes at other tertiary institutions around Australia and NZ he is deeply involved in jazz education. Craig Simon - Original compositions by a young slick classic instrumentation quintet line-up led by the drummer Craig Simon. Crop Duster - Spontaneous composition. Crop Duster utilizes elements from all genres, showing them little or no respect. Crop Duster is irreverent, funny, obnoxious and introspective. Dale Barlow   - Australia's most internationally respected modern Jazz musician who was a working member of Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and the Cedar Walton Band. Dale has developed his own unique sound on the saxophone and flute. Dale has the technique and imagination to be convincing in a broad range of musical contexts from Jazz to Jazz/rock and Afro/Jazz-Funk but many would say that in front of a really hard swinging rhythm section he is at his most formidable. Dan Barnett   - Dan Barnett is acknowledged as one of Australia's most accomplished and professional performers. His powerful voice and swinging trombone form the backbone of the Dan Barnett Big Band. Held in high regard by his peers, Dan has assembled a collection of the very best musicians in the country.Swing, Mainstream and Bebop. Read more... Daniel Weltlinger  - – Born in Sydney in 1977 and of French-Hungarian-Israeli-Jewish descent he is predominantly a violin player with an ear and an eye for a mix of Gypsy-Swing, East-European-Klezmer and Experimental music and is world-renowned for his distinctive sound and improvisational approach to these musical genres. His main Australian-based projects "Asthmatix" and "Zohar’s Nigun" fuse Jewish themes and kabbalistic-inspired improvisation within the contemporary framework of Hip-Hop and Jazz while his collaborative efforts with German-Sinti guitarist/composer Lulo Reinhardt fuses Latin, Jazz and Gypsy-Swing performing to audiences around the world. One of the original co-founders of the award winning Monsieur Camembert, musicians and ensembles he has performed and/or recorded with have included Nadya and her 101 Candles Orchestra, Fuego Lento, Ian and Nigel Date, Edouard Bronson, Buddy Bolden Revival Orchestra, On The Stoop, Menino, I Gitanos, Mike and Moro Reinhardt, Swing de Gitanes, Waiting For Guinness, Mic Conway’s National Junk Band, Zero Hour, Glass, Swing Bien Sur, The Jews Brothers, Chris Tanner and Virus, Flap, Straightback Fellows, Peppermint T, Doch, Reuben Derrick, Oscar Jiminez, Bobby Singh, Slava Gregorian, Joseph Tawadros, Al Slavik, Neill Duncan, Clayton Thomas, Claire Cooper, Adam Sussman, Ilan Kidron, STC Actor’s Company, Belvoir Street Theatre Company, Theatre Of Image, Aerialise.. Read more... Darren Jack   - R&B band leader. But don't miss it, when he plays the acoustic guitar and sings blues alone. Darren Moore - New Sydney drummer who performs with his own trio offering original compositions full of freely improvised interplay and soundworlds. David Blenkhorn - Acclaimed singer and guitarist who is a regular on the European Jazz Festival circuit. Dave Goodman  - True ‘player’ of the drum kit who is just as commanding in a hard-bop setting as he is with the avant-garde. Dave Levy - toured with Jimmy Witherspoon in 1965. Founding pianist with The Last Straw and held piano chair in Galapagos Duck. He demonstrates the exceptional gift of being able to adapt any idiom yet remains fully creative and distinctive. Dave MacRae   - pianist who plays with his own trio. Dave has played with the Buddy Rich Big Band and British jazz rock group Nucleus. Dave Panichi Septet - Panichi has played with such luminaries as the Buddy Rich Big Band, Maria Schneider, Sarah Vaughan and Dave Liebman. 'Panichi is really one of Australia's best players. His sound is powerful and intense, filled with conviction' Jasmine Crittenden Drum Media. Read more... David Longo - David has been playing professional guitar for 14 years working in various musical situations. He studied at Southern Cross University under the tutelage of guitar virtuoso Jim Kelly. Since 1995 David has lived and worked in Sydney and has subsequently performed with various outstanding musicians including: Daryl Aberhart, Lily Dior, Mark Williams, Nick Cecire, Bill Risby, Victor Rounds, Leon Gaer, Mathew McMahon, Brett Hurst, Fabian Hevia, Jess Ciampa, Anthony Kable, James Greening and Gordon Rytmeister to name only a few. David McLeod Quartet - McLeod's singing draws upon several admitted influences in the world of jazz and R & B. His singing is persuasive and he admirably textures his interpretations of lyrics. Dave Pudney - Dave began his musical career in a small band with the Morrison brothers in the late 70’s playing piano first then electric and double bass. A meeting with Don Burrows in 1981 saw him begin touring Australia with Don and James and later with George Golla in various small group settings led by Don. A scholarship to the Sydney Conservatorium in jazz studies saw him graduate with merit top of his year in 1984. Dave is currently playing with the Don Burrows Quartet, the Kevin Hunt trio, the Marie Wilson Quartet, the Joy Mulligan Quartet Saxanova and the Sydney All Stars Big Band. David Rex - Alto saxophonist whose speed of execution can be breathtaking. 'There were times when Rex achieved his effects with a combination of ingenuity and passion that was quite astonishing. He really is a great player' John Clare. David Symes - Jazzgroove drummer who works in his own band 'Exotica' and with artists beyond the boundaries of jazz such as Darren Percival and Jackie Orszackzy. David Theak  - Saxophonist who reached the 2005 Freedman Fellowship finals. Leads the award-winning band Theak-tet. Theak-tet plays original, harmonically inventive, melodic compositions that provide a platform for flowing improvisations Davood Tabrizi – Iranian composer Davood, has worked extensively in Australia, Iran, Canada and the U.S. with a fusion of Persian, Flamenco and Arabic music on kamancheh, violin and Persian percussion. D.E.D. Trio  - Regularly finds the lines between traditional Jazz and modern music. Daniel Falero multi-instrumentalist, Ed Rapo Double Bass, Dan Biederman Piano. Delilah  - Sultry Soul Singer, Delilah, a born performer she was entertaining neighbourhood kids in her backyard in Baltimore Maryland at age 4. She's the spirit of the blues, a little Ella, a little Aretha, a little Lou Rawls. Di Bird - Perfect for any occasion Di Bird and her trio Red, Hot & Blue have been performing together since 1996. Di was the winner of the "Sydney Jazz Club Vocalist" award in 1994. Red, Hot & Blue were voted most popular band at the 2003 Lindeman Island Food and Wine Festival. In a recent review Andrew Tucker, in the Queensland Jazz Newsletter, said of Di that: "her voice and delivery are like mixing the soft personal characteristics of Blossom Dearie with the range and quality of Linda Ronsdstadt". Didi Mudigdo - The quintessential singer's pianist, with sensitivity in accompaniment that attests to his first jazz piano influence, Nat King Cole. His playing is moreover imbued with a humour and playfulness that makes each performance a delight to audiences. Didi has performed in Indonesia and NZ and is currently a resident jazz pianist at the Sydney Four Seasons Hotel. The Dili All Stars - High-energy seven-piece funk, ska, and reggae band fronted by the smooth vocals of Paulo Almeida and backed by a wicked rhythm section of percussion, bass, drums and keyboards. The ensemble possesses a strong social conscience and use music to highlight the problems faced by the people of East Timor, pushing for International justice on their behalf. Singing songs in English, Tetum and Portuguese, the band's gigs are always high-energy and guaranteed to get bodies moving. Dinner with Mum - Sydney's most original covers band. An eclectic repertoire spanning the 60's, 70's to contemporary music. A magical blend of pop, jazz and soft rock with Caroline Flood – Vocals, Michael Henshaw – Bass Julian van Leer – guitar, Tom - Drums. Dlivr - Urban Groove Fusion with infectious funk and jazz grooves. Dog Walking Backwards  - Formed in 2005. Eclectic musical tastes with original material, ranging from songs about spurned love and health sector workforce planning to the Sydney sewerage system. Dog Walking Backwards is Kerry Thompson, Anna Schneider, David Small and Chris Kearns. Don Burrows - Australia's Jazz Living Legend of clarinet, saxophone and flute. Don has been at the forefront of the jazz world for almost 60 years. Don was the first Australian jazz artist to win a gold record, the first to play Europe's famed Montreaux and the USA's Newport festivals, the first to play in China, the first awarded a Creative Arts Fellowship, the first inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, the first Director of a Jazz Studies course. He has also found time to host his own television show, The Burrows Collection, for six years on ABC TV, has released close to forty albums, and regularly tours here and abroad, including South and North America, Europe, the Middle East and Asia. And just look at this who's who of great recording and concert partners - Oscar Peterson, Dizzy Gillespie, Nat King Cole, Mel Torme, Stephane Grappelli, Tony Bennett, James Morrison, George Golla, Cleo Laine, Frank Sinatra, Kate Ceberano, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and hundreds more. (courtesy of the Australian Jazz Agency) Don Rader - Trumpet and flugelhorn. Don has played with just about every jazz heavyweight you could imagine, Woody Herman Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson Orchestra, Count Basie Orchestra, Stan Kenton Orchestra, Terry Gibbs Dream Band, Diana Ross, Louis Bellson, Benny Carter, Supersax, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley. Read more... Dr Dons Double Dose  - blues and roots duo: Don Hopkins on keyboard, vocal and Rob Grosser on drums. Eclipse Alley Five - traditional and mainstream Jazz lead by trumpeter Bruce Johnson. Eddie de Brazil & Friends – Five piece Brazilian band with styles ranging from samba, pagoda and axe to forro and the classic bossa nova. Eddie De Brazil and Friends is a genuine Brazilian band led by multi - instrumentalist and arranger Ednaldo Ignacio. The group’s repertoire showcases the country’s vast musical variety featuring the best of MPB (Brazilian popular music). Ed Gaston – Born in North Carolina, Ed played the clarinet for 13 years in High School and Army bands and then switched to double bass. In 1957 he landed a job with the Australian Jazz Quintet who were touring the US Jazz circuit. Ed has backed many well know jazz stars such as Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughan, Stephan Grappelli, Sonny Stitt to name a few. He was a member of the Don Burrows Quartet for 10 years and performed at the Montreaux and Newport Jazz Festivals in 1972. Edouard Bronson  - born in the USSR and significant figure on the Russian Jazz scene before moving to Israel in the late 60's. He then moved to Sydney in the early 70's and became a key voice in Serge Ermoll's free improvisation ensemble. In the late 70's Bronson travelled to the US and studied with Dave Liebman, Bob Berg, Steve Grossman and Elvin Jones. Edwin Duff - Edwin Duff was born at Forfar, a stone's throw from Glamis Castle, Scotland – home of "the other Queen Mother" – on 4th June 1928. Edwin has now been a professional jazz vocalist for 66 years. His formative years were spent in Dundee where his mother worked in the picture theatre. By the time he arrived in Australia in 1939 hundreds of songs had been indelibly imprinted on his memory. On the ship to Australia he sang with the orchestra and created such an impression that on arrival he went straight to the local radio station to make a broadcast. By 1940 he was on National Radio performing Frank Sinatra's songs at the same time as Sinatra himself was introducing them. The singer of choice with the best bands of the day, an Edwin Duff Fan Club was formed and he found himself with his own legion of bobby-soxers. He toured and recorded successfully with the Jack Brokensha's Australian Jazz Quintet, continuing his career in the States for another decade until the mid-60s. Having worked with the crčme of musicians including Buddy Rich and Art Tatum, in the Australian jazz world he is widely considered one of our best vocalists. This feeling is perhaps best summed up in the words of Freddie Wilson, sax player and long-time jazz educator who first worked with Edwin at the Galleon's Coffee Lounge, Melbourne 55 years ago: "I don't think I have ever heard Edwin Duff sing a wrong note. The reason is that he is too particular to do that. I have always thought him to be a very clever, great singer." Edwin is still singing at 78, and is presently working on his bio: "To Think I Did All That". Eilean Mor  - Celtic World Music group Eilean Mor offers a haunting and thrilling mix of original and traditional songs and tunes. Their music is based on the Scottish Gaelic tradition, uprooted to Australia during the Highland clearances. The band is singer/songwriter Ruth Lee Martin, guitarist Bill Grose, Jon Jones on percussion, Bill Williams double bass and Chris Stone fiddle. Eilean Mor's musical focus is on original songs from the pen of singer Ruth Lee Martin and traditional songs and tunes interpreted with roots, jazz, world, and hypnotic-minimalist musical leanings. Mouth music, waulking songs, rowing songs, laments and hot fiddle tunes are all part of the repertoire. Also in the repertoire are rare songs written in the Gaelic language in Australia during the 19th century by exiles forced to leave their homes during the highland clearances. Drawing on the Scottish Gaelic tradition, the band has its own unique Australian flavour. Elana Stone - 'Sydney's favourite young jazz singer' Daily Telegraph. Her sense of humour and spirit make Elana a magnetic performer and ideal band leader. Elana is a Sydney based vocalist. She completed her Bachelor of Music, Jazz Major in 2002 and is currently making waves on the Sydney scene. Her primary influences include Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Nancy Wilson, George Benson, Clark Terry, Ray Charles, Betty Carter, Nina Simone, Bobby McFerrin, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Dr John, Joni Mitchell, Rufus Wainwright, Stevie Wonder and Sting. Performs in her own quartet, the Rhino Factory and with the Mark Isaacs trio. Winner of the 2005 National Jazz Awards and currently making waves on the Sydney scene, Elana is a magnetic performer whether singing jazz standards or her own originals. Elizabeth Geyer  - 'Elizabeth stands apart from our other artists simply because of her incredible talent and diversity as a magnificent vocalist, pianist, trumpet and flugelhorn player and last but not least as a composer...' - Leslie Moore, director Australian Jazz Agency Emmanuel Schmidt  - One of the finest guitarists in Sydney who leads his own quintet with Nick Bowd on baritone saxophone. Nick plays his original compositions along with modern jazz standards with authority and intensity. Elixir - Combination of vocal delights from Katie Noonan, soulful saxophone of Isaac Hurren and the rich poetry of Martin Challis. Elliott Dalgleish - Idiosyncratic and deliberately provocative saxophonist and clarinettist. Emma Pask  - "Whilst it's fashionable to be a jazz singer these days, it's so good to work with someone who's the real thing!" James Morrison. EON Beats Project  - Groove Based electronic music lead by saxophonist Rick Robertson who improvises through and over the beat. Errol Buddle  - In the mid 1950' he formed the Australian Jazz Quintet eventually becoming one of the top five most popular Jazz groups in the US preceded only by Louis Armstrong, George Shearing, Dave Brubeck and Gerry Mulligan in that order and sharing billing with the Miles Davis Quintet. He was placed three years running in the prestigious Down Beat Poll in the tenor sax section and miscellaneous instruments section. He's worked with Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday Errol Renaud & Caribbean Soul  Combining the sounds of the steel drum, sweet reggae music and the happy beats of Calypso and Soca. Errol Renaud and Caribbean Soul will take you to the caribbean through a repertoire made up of reggae hits, original music with a taste of conscious lyrics and, of course, hot calypso and soca music. E Type Jazz - Voted 'Best Australian Live Jazz Act ' at the 2002 & 2003 Australian Live Music Awards, with 5 albums under their adult contemporary belts. Evan Lohning - Evan Lohning is an extremely versatile and accomplished pianist in Jazz, rock, world music, blues, classical, Latin. In 1998 he formed the Evan Lohning Jazz Orchestra from what he considers to be some of the best Jazz players in Sydney. Exotica - Dave Symes leads his collective through an exotic journey through funk, soul and world sounds. A collective of talented jazz and funk musicians creating unusual and exotic music borrowing grooves, colours and textures from cultures all around the globe. The group creates lush instrumental layers with a heavily percussive persuasion. Extended Family - Think swamp blues meets funk, throw in soul, a smattering of reggae and African, mix with lashings of urban style and you begin to get the Extended Family picture. A grand finalist in the SBS Blues Performer of the Year Award 2005 and MusicOz Awards 2003 (blues), Extended Family is a high-energy five-piece band at the forefront of contemporary funk blues in Sydney. Fabian Hevia  - Chilean born who migrated to Australia in 1975. A graduate of the Wollongong University and the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. One of Australia's foremost percussionists and drummers whose credits read like a who's who of Australian jazz. He's played most major European jazz festivals and is a long term member of the ARIA award winning band Wanderlust. Farfinkel  - Formed in 1992 and performs mostly original compositions. Mike Nock said 'Already showing a musical maturity behind their years, these young musicians are tomorrow's leaders'. One of the most distinctive bands in Sydney. Led by Peter Farrar and Dale Gorfinkel, the trio plays with an outgoing energy where individual improvised ideas of grooves, textures and colours co-exist. Fiona Boyes and the Fortune Tellers - leader Fiona Boyce, the winner of famous Memphis Blues Challenge, recorded several very successful CDs in USA, played with living greats as Hubert Sumlin and others. Feather Gatherers - The Feather Gatherers play a selection of folk and Gypsy music from the Balkans and surrounding areas including Bosnia, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Russia and Romania. The Group specialises in Gypsy music and features vocals, guitars, bass and accordion. Finn - Jim Finn's four-piece blues band, the winner of 2004 SBS Blues Performer of The Year. Fiona Burnett - Soprano saxophonist who has recorded and released 5 albums as leader. Based in Melbourne and works with her own trio. Flamenco Crew  – Traditional flamenco with contemporary elements in graceful harmony between Middle Eastern and jazz influences. Flight-Flight  - An engaging diversity of jazz, funk and ethnic musics and sounds, spanning deep chill to infectious exhuberance, featuring the wild child of flute and sax Emanuel Lieberfreund - flutes, saxes, percussion, vocals, Ziggy Mirza - guitar, bass, vocals Maurice Henler - drums, djembe. Flying Four - Quartet led by drummer John Morrison playing mainstream jazz standards. Franky Valentyn   - From rock'n'roll to swing, cabaret to disco, ballads to Broadway, as a piano man, guitarist or just a man on the mic, Franky has a show that covers nearly every taste. Freedivers - original group improvisation. Mathew Clare has found a unique interaction with the equally individualistic Cameron Deyell on guitar and Josh Green on an array of junk percussion. Punk-jazz meets free metal as the lines of ideas crash against each other forming, jarringly beautiful plateaus of sound and song. Freshwater  - Christine Wheeler (vocals flute, whistle and guitar) and Cliona Molins (harp). Christine is an Australian-born singer and wooden flute player who studied for extended periods in Ireland. Many of you will know from her role as lead singer in the award winning Sydney band Wheelers and Dealers. Cliona Molins is Dublin-born and studied harp at the Royal Irish Academy of Music. More recently she has set about immersing herself in the Latin harp repertoire from Mexico, Venezuela and Paraguay. F Sharp and the Theory of Nostrils - A sober exploration of this, drunkenly proposed theorem through many time zones. Funky, loopy, jazz, electricky. Galapagos Duck - Australia's most famous Jazz Band featuring mainstream and popular tunes. Gary Holgate - Bassist who has performed and recorded with many of Sydney’s finest musicians. He has been a member of the Kevin Hunt Trio for over 20 years. Gary has also had long associations with Grace Knight, Rhonda Burchmore, Bill Risby, Joy Yates & Dave MacRae. Gary completed the Assoc Dip Jazz Studies course at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 1982. He returned to the Conservatorium in 2006 to undertake a M. Mus. (Perf) Degree, focusing on contemporary jazz performance but also studying with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra’s coprincipal bassist, Kees Boersma. Geoff Haymes - Guitarist from Sydney, Geoff also studied Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium and has been performing professionally for 16 years. He has worked as a session guitarist while in Sydney performing in various Rock, Blues, Funk and Jazz bands such as Smokehouse, Nerkep, The Squids and The Black Rose.Geoff moved to Melbourne in 2002 and was arranger and Musical Director of the successful 10-piece Funk/Soul band The Soup Doctors. Geoff Bull's New Orleans Jazz Band - New Orleans style Jazz without the airfare. Geoff Power's Jazz Band - Dixieland Jazz. Geoff plays cornet, trombone, tuba and sings. He has his own quartet which plays classic Jazz of the swing era. George Doukas & Friends – An electric ensemble led by George Doukas performing music from Greece, the Balkans, Turkey and West Africa. George Golla  - – Golla was born in Poland and migrated to Australia in the 1950’s. He commenced studying guitar in 1955 after having played clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and bass. He began his professional life in 1956 with the advent of television and subsequently appeared on Bandstand for 28 years. He then commenced a 40 year musical relationship with Don Burrows when the Don Burrows trio was formed. George is greatly admired for his technical mastery of the guitar, his swinging style and Latin influences. He has been recorded on over 100 albums. George Washingmachine   - think Stephane Grapelli and Hot Club of France. George is in constant demand all over Australia for his ability to entertain as a singer and a musician Gerard Masters  - Since making his presence felt on the local scene, Masters has developed in several interesting ways. The solos are more terse but not at the expense of essential detail. The self confident flamboyance is only just below the surface to reveal itself when the music is most intense and barely under control. Leads his own trio and also a member of Mosaic and EON Beats Project. Read more... Gervais Koffi & African Diaspora  – Electrifying West African rhythms, zouk music from the French Caribbean and salsa from latin America. Gest 8 - A new improvising ensemble comprising 8 of Sydney's leading Jazz musicians under the direction of Sandy Evans and Tony Gorman. The band explores the interface between improvisation and composition. The result melds Jazz, free improvised music, traditional Japanese and Korean music, computer music, funk, rock, contemporary classical, circus music and folk. Read more... Giant Steps  - Bebop at it's best led by legendary pianist Bobby Gebert. Glenn Henrich - Glenn started playing music 50 years ago in New York, but moved to Sydney in 1982. A gifted multi-instrumentalist performing on vibes, Fender Rhodes, electric piano and saxes, he was an important addition to seminal bands led by Tom Baker and James Morrison. Glenn recorded his first CD Vibes with Jim Pennell, Steve Elphick, Craig Scott, Natalie and John Morrison and Fabian Hevia in 1999. Gongi - Guitarist Mike Price's new project featuring originals inspired by his world travels in 2004. Contemporary jazz with a blues/rock edge. Gordon Rytmeister  - drummer with rock like power and intensity. One of the most adaptable drummers on the Sydney scene. Fixture in the Adrian Cunningham quartet and many others. Grace Chung   - Originally from Hong Kong, Grace Chung first began singing jazz more than ten years ago in Sydney Australia, where she grew up. Since then, she has led her own trios and performed with big bands in Sydney, Hong Kong, New York, Boston and Washington DC. "Her creativity is astounding - a song never sounds the same from night to night, yet always finds the emotional resonance that moves a listener. Her arrangements are astute and original. Her ability to transform a song, bend a genre and evoke an emotion is unmatched." Owlsong Productions Read more... Grahame Conlon - Grahame has worked with Ricky May, Billy Fields, Tom Baker, Keith Hounslow, Anita Thomas, Kenny Powell and John Morrison's Swing City and is in demand as a freelance Jazz guitarist. His ability to adapt to different music styles has made him an audience favourite. Greg Coffin   - pianist who has been a member of the Java Quartet since 1995. Greg always astonishes both player and audience with the potency of his vision and the musicality of his approach. Greg has a Bachelor of Music (Jazz) at the Sydney Conservatorium. Interview... Greg Englert – Sydney based Professional trumpeter, guitarist, singer, arranger, composer. Greg has played with most of Australia’s top Dixieland, Traditional and Swing musicians including Bob Barnard, Len Barnard, Dave Dallwitz (Lead Trumpet in the Dave Dallwitz Sydney Big Band on the ABC TV Burrows Collection), Ricky May, Paul Furniss. Greg runs his own bands Ozz Jazz (Dixieland) and Rhapsody (Swing) as well as has numerous recordings released both as a leader and as a side man. Gregg Arthur - Smooth slick swinger who although is young is a singer with a mature sensibility who pays respect to the songwriters and a repertoire which is filled with splendid love songs. Greg Poppleton & the Bakelite Broadcasters - Greg Poppleton is Australia's only 1920s & 30s-style Swing singer. His band, the Bakelite Broadcasters, draws on some of the best in local jazz musicians who can play in the 1920s & 30s style, including Bob Henderson, Ray Aldridge, Dieter Vogt, Dave Ellis, Eric Holroyd, Laurie Bennett, Joel Davis and more. Guy Strazzullo   - “Guitarist and composer who’s jazz work encompasses Brazilian, and classical Indian music aesthetics Recognized as a distinguished guitar master, musician, and educator. He has performed at Jazz Yatra, Jakarta Jazz, Perth and Adelaide Arts Festivals, Clusone Jazz Festival, Japan World Expo, Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Jazz and Adelaide International Guitar Festival. His long list of collaborations includes: Sandy Evans, Vince Jones, V M Bhatt, Martin Taylor, Slava Grigoryan, Don Burrows, Dale Barlow, Mike Stern, and Matt McMahon. A recipient of the Australia Council Music Fellowship, Strazz also received APRA Nominations and a Jazz APRA Award. His latest release with Matt McMahon, 2@1, was nominated for ‘best jazz album of the year’ AIR Awards 08. He has released several critically acclaimed albums as leader. He is currently a Creative PhD research Scholar at Macquarie University working on his thesis about Improvisation”. Hammeriver - Ghostly jangling bells, sinewaves, spittle and aching strings mould the skeletons of Alice Coltrane's most sacred music. Hammeriver formed in 2003 and five musicians extract the most unexpected and undernourished voices from their chosen instruments. Helen Fenton  - – Sydney based a Jazz singer who leads the Sydney Sound Big Band which has a regular fortnightly Thursday night gig at Rockdale RSL. The band has been resident there for 8 years. Helen also sings with other big bands and small ensembles. She has performed at the Manly and Dubbo Jazz Festivals and many corporate events. She has recorded two albums: After Dark and The Simple Life – both on the LaBrava Label. The Sydney Sound Big Band: a 15 piece swing band modeled on the 40’s big bands. Its repertoire is vast encompassing tunes from the 20’s on. Swinging tunes from Basie, Ellington, Kenton, Barnett, Krupa, James, Shaw, Goodman, Dorsey and Miller predominate. A multitude of loyal dancers and music lovers are ever-present at each performance at Rockdale. Helen Aristedes – Modern Greek music blended with the traditions from other countries. Helen Rivero –  - Multi-lingual vocalist who plays with traditional tunes and contemporary improvisation. Voiceplay diva, Helen Rivero is an award-winning performer in the world music scene. Her singing style combines elements of jazz, cabaret, traditional music and experimental performance, sometimes described as intense and humorous. Harry Rivers - Harry arrived in Australia from Samoa via NZ. Latin percussion, Sinatra, Jarreau Gershwin and the Beatles are all featured in his repertoire. Heval – Heval (Kurdish for friends) bring together intricate rhythms, spontaneity and evocative melodies of both Indian and Kurdish cultures. Heval create and enticing musical hybrid that is true to it's traditional roots, yet open to the many influences present in multicultural Australia. Vigorously rhythmic, sometimes contemplative, Heval's music is vibrant. Hipnosis - www.hipnosis.com.au Holroydz Hotshotz - Lead by trumpeter Eric Holroyd, the Hotshotz perform hot mainstream and traditional Jazz. Hot Licks Jazz Band  - Bringing fresh faces to old jazz, the Hot Licks Jazz Band is a new-wave traditional jazz band from Melbourne. The Hot Licks Jazz Band combines the talents of some of Melbourne’s hottest jazz musicians with the licks to produce a sound that is lively, raw and sure to get your toes tapping. Band leader and Trombonist Glenn Jacobi and his crew of New Orleans aficionados present a program of hot jazz from the 1920’s and 30’s with swinging vocals, tight arrangements and a repertoire of classic tunes. Ian Chaplin - Post modernist alto saxophonist who plays with immense fervour intensity and grandeur. Ian Cooper - – Australia's most exciting virtuoso Jazz violinist. Since his debut at The Sydney Opera House at age six he has become a regular attraction at many concert venues and festivals throughout Australia, Europe, Japan and New Zealand. His humorous show draws on many musical styles including Jazz, Gypsy Swing, Latin, Irish fiddle and even a touch of Cowboy music. In the 1990’s Ian played regularly all over Australia in the bands of Tom Baker, Ian Date & Tommy Emmanuel. At the same time he regularly appeared at festivals alongside Bob Barnard, Geoff Bull, Roger Janes, Paul Furniss, Don Burrows and believe it or not George Washingmachine. These days though Ian has his own groups – Ian Cooper’s Swingin’ Fiddle Band, The Simon Tedeschi & Ian Cooper Quintet, The Ian Cooper Trio/Quartet/& Quintet, as well as being a regular member of The James Morrison Sextet with Emma Pask. Ian has appeared as a special guest with George Benson, Neil Sedaka, Max Bygraves, Andrea Bocelli, Deni Hines, Marcia Hines, John Farnham, David Helfgott, The Angels, The Backsliders and Barry White. Ian Cooper’s performance of his composition "Tin Symphony" was premiered at the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic Games – 2000. Ian Pavletich - Performs with his band Slow Fuse. Ian loves singing the classic standards or arranging a popular song in a swing or latin beat and connecting with the audience individually. Ian performs either solo with his guitar or dual vocals with his wife Debbie - when in duet, trio or quartet mode, Ian is joined by some of Australia's best, in the past that has included such guests as John Morrison, Matt Baker, John Brown and others. Informal Troupe  - Bassist Dave Symes has performed with Missy Higgins & Sleepy Jackson whilst saxophonist Matthew Ottignon was nominated for the prestigious Freedman Fellowship in 2007. Drummer Hamish Stuart is a true legend on the scene. All three have worked for years under the leadership of Sydney music legend Jackie Orszaczky and have formed a strong musical bond. Invisible City - Extended bursts of colour and tortuous sensitivity, some slightly demented funk, and some palatable numbers as well. Jacam Manricks  - Sir Lankan/Portuguese Australian born saxophonist/composer Jacam Manricks was raised in an extremely musical family. His parents were resident classical musicians in the state symphony in his hometown of Brisbane, Queensland and his grandfather was a famous Portuguese jazz clarinetist and saxophonist in Sri Lanka. As a child Jacam frequently attended his parents’ symphony concerts and was introduced to jazz at home through his fathers’ jazz record collection. Due to these surroundings, Jacam was able to build a diverse musical foundation from a young age that combined jazz and classical music, two genres that continue to influence his music today. Jacam began studying piano at age 5 and the alto saxophone at 9. His formal musical training continued in New York in 2001, culminating with a doctor of musical arts degree in jazz composition/performance/ pedagogy from the Manhattan School of Music in 2007. Read more... Jacki Cooper - Sydney-based jazz vocalist, Jacki Cooper has been singing in Adelaide since 1990 and has recently relocated to Sydney. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Voice from Adelaide University. While working for a jazz workshop at Stanford University in the USA, Jacki studied with US jazz singers Mark Murphy, Kitty Margolis, Madeline Eastman and Nancy King, and gigged regularly with local musicians including John Morrison. Jackie Orszaczky - Hungarian Funk Soul and Jazz. Jackson Harrison - Winner of the 2006 National Jazz Awards for piano. Jade MacRae - Soul Diva. Jalsa Creole – Ten piece band with traditional instruments and exquisite dancers as they bask the audience in sega, the music of Mauritius that grew out of African rhythms and a music played only by Creoles. Jalsa Creole charms audiences with their blend of sega cabaret fused with reggae. James Morrison - Australia's most internationally accomplished multi-instrumentalist who has played on many international stages with many of today's jazz greats. James Greening - – James is a leading trombonist who, in the 1980’s developed his distinctive sound and style whilst working in a wide range of jazz ensembles, latin, R & B and television show bands. Over the past 20 years he has performed with bands such as the Orszaczky Budget Orchestra, The Godmothers, Jump Back Jack and the Hungarian Rapsadists. In 1992 he formed the band ‘The World According to James’ in which he stepped forward as both bandleader and composer. He is a member of Ten Part Invention, The Umbrellas, Wanderlust and the catholics. Jamie Oehlers   - Tenor saxophone virtuoso and winner of the 2003 White Foundation World Saxophone competition. Oehlers is one of this country's most outstanding jazz musicians. He won the prestigious 2006 Bell Award for Best Australian Contemporary Jazz Album for 'The Assemblers'. In the past few years Jamie's Melbourne based quartet has performed at international clubs and festivals worldwide. 'He has the facility to pour idea after idea into phrases that melt into a single, sustained line' The Age. James Muller   - Multi award winning guitarist, probably Australia's finest. Performs with his own trio and a number of Sydney bands. 'James Muller is a mountain of guitar virtuosity and invention. All the things that are most effective in jazz, rock, blues and country guitar emerge naturally at the right time in the right place, and it can give the listener shivers' John Clare. Read more... Jan Preston  - Best described as Australia’s “Queen of Honky Tonk piano.” Her stunning ability as a boogie woogie and ragtime piano player, is matched by a richly resonant voice and a joyful and communicative stage personality. Jan is enormously popular on the festival circuit, having played more than 50 festivals throughout Australia, New Zealand, and Europe in the past 3 years. She has won 7 music awards for her CDs and film scores, is a regular ABC and RNZ radio performer, and has sold out concerts from the tip of Australia to the very South of New Zealand in main centres and tiny regional towns. Jan’s best known film composition is the theme for the iconic ABCTV series, “Australian Story”. Jan has a way of fully engaging the audience in her shows, and her mastery of the boogie woogie, barrelhouse and honky tonk piano style, leaves listeners in raptures. Jane Irving  – Accomplished pianist who at the age of 17 with influences from Sarah Vaughan to Mark Murphy started singing. Jane studied with both Kerry Biddell and Sheila Jordan and has fronted the acclaimed Evan Lohning Jazz Orchestra. A fine singer who has worked with some of Australia’s leading artists including Bobby Gebert, Matt McMahon, Kevin Hunt, Michael Bartolomei, John Harkins, Don Radar and John Morrison. Jane has just released her third album ‘Beams’. Interview... Janet Seidel Trio   - Australia's songbird who is influenced by Peggy Lee, Blossom Dearie and Julie London. Delightful pianist in the style of Shirley Horn and sings fluently in French. JC Stylles - keeper of the flame of jazz guitar that swings, grooves & just plain makes you feel good.. he shares his heart & soul..you can feel him in the notes, & after all, that is what has always made the best jazz...in an era where so little is genuine & real, JC has succeeded in capturing honesty & integrity..while swinging you to death. Jasper Leak Quintet - Appealing and non-confrontational original compositions drawing from global influences and led by the 22 year old bass player Jasper Leak. Read more... Java Quartet - Led by bassist Michael Galeazzi, the Java Quartet has become an institution on the Australian jazz scene since 1994. Representing Australia at the 1997 Montreux Jazz Festival, the line-up now consists of Mathew Ottignon on tenor saxophone, Mike Quigley drums, Greg Coffin on piano and leader/bassist/composer Michael Galeazzi. The melodic and spare compositions this group performs are beautiful showcases for each of the artists improvisational skills. The Java Quartet has found a place where Australian original modern jazz is both artistically pure but also highly accessible. Read more... JazzGroove Mothership Orchestra - Featuring 3 National Jazz Award winners and 5 finalists this ensemble promises to be one of the most exciting big scale projects to hit the Australian scene for some time. Undeniably the most consolidated assemblage of highly respected new generation jazz talent in Australia. Read more... Jazz Nouveau - Fusion of jazz funk rock and pop led by guitarist Joseph Calderazzo. Jazzhoppers - Bebop to Hardbop featuring the talents of Col Nolan and Andrew Dickeson Jeff Duff - Sydney's answer to David Bowie or Iggy Pop.Performs with his trio, big band or in his cabaret show 'Ground Control to Frank Sinatra' Jenny M Thomas - Well known exotic violinist and composer Jenny M.Thomas has mastered the rare and difficult art of singing and playing the fiddle at the same time, learnt to play the spoons, constructed a lagerfonium and searched Melbourne for the sweetest sounding banjo-mandolin in order to record her exciting new album. Jeremy Borthwick   - His band Exposed Bone is made up of modern trombone playing backed by the Hauptmann family. Ben Hauptmann guitar, Zoe Hauptmann bass, and James Hauptmann drums. Exposed Bone is a high energy band which encompasses African, funk and blues as a basis for Jeremy's original compositions. Read more... Jeremy Sawkins - Began playing guitar in 1975. During 1981 studied with many formidable American players including John Scofield and Steve Swallow. During 1997 and 1998 toured Europe with Wanderlust and was awarded the 1998 Original Jazz Composition by the Jazz Action Society. Recently returning from Ireland and now leading a new project The Jazz Organism. Jess Green - Leads her own septet the Green Septet. Jess plays guitar and the band’s repertoire is made up of her own quirky yet enchanting compositions. The septet is made up of the likes of Matt Keegan on tenor, Simon Ferenci on trumpet and Evan Mannell on drums. Jess is a graduate of the Canberra School of Music ANU, majoring in guitar and gaining first class honours in her Bachelor of Music (Jazz Studies). Jess has since developed her passion for composition, performing her works in many established Australian Jazz Venues and festivals. In addition, she composed original scores for theatre productions and founded several ensembles, two of which continue to perform regularly; The Jess Green Septet and rock outfit The New Dynamites. Jess spent part of 2004 in West Africa and explores African music in the group the Bamako 3. She was the winner of the 2006 Jann Rutherford Memorial Award and was a Freedman nominee in 2006. Jim Kelly - Jim has firmly established himself as a leading Australian contemporary jazz guitarist, composer and educator whose reputation goes well beyond Australian shores. In 1975 Jim collaborated with keyboardist Michael J Kenny and percussionist Ian Bloxsom to form CROSSFIRE - Australia's most celebrated fusion group. Crossfire toured extensively, including a performance at The Montreaux Jazz Festival in 1982 and recorded seven albums, including a live album with U.S. vocalist Michael Franks. Crossfire also performed on collaborative tours with Lee Ritenour and Don Grusin as well as Randy Brecker. From 1975-87 Jim perfected the rigorous demands of the recording studio and became a highly sought-after session player performing on countless jingles, documentaries, film scores plus pop and jazz artists' albums. The 90s saw a change of lifestyle for Jim with a move to Northern NSW to lecture at Southern Cross University, Lismore where he remains Head of Guitar Studies. Since 1993 Jim has released six CD's as bandleader. Jim's electric guitar playing has now taken a back seat to his acoustic endeavours which include both steel and nylon-string guitars. His latest projects are a guitar trio (d'volv) with Peter Martin and Jon Fitzgerald (albums: d'volv and africussia) and a duo with bassist Greg Lyon (album: culia de capo) as well as solo nylon-string performances. Jim is a musician dedicated to the art of improvising, composing, performing and teaching and is always searching for new ways to expand his musical horizons. Jim Pennell - Flamenco guitar virtuoso. JJ Pereira - A unique musician and personality who came to Sydney from Mozambique via the world. He has played with hundreds of musicians from diverse backgrounds and the music he writes and performs reflects his myriad musical encounters. Joe Chindamo  ' "Chindamo is a pianist with a profound respect for melody'whose prodigious technique, which includes sweeping glissandos and effortless tandem runs, is never allowed to muddy or disguise the essence of a tune" Jessica Nicholas, The Age. One of Australia's greatest pianists/composers who has played with everyone from Michael Brecker to Ray Brown. His Live at Umbria Jazz 05 album (read our review) recently won the Bell Award for Best Australian Classic Jazz Album. Jo Fabro - In 2005 she was a top ten finalist in the National Jazz Vocal Awards a the Wangaratta Jazz Festival. John Hardaker  - – The John Hardaker Direction is a jazz-blues combo from Sydney, Australia. Built around the jazz-blues guitar and arrangements of John Hardaker, and the distinctive jazz flute of Crystal Moloney, the group was formed in January 2007. A veteran of the Sydney scene, John has been playing jazz, blues and soul all his life. He has brought them all together in his new group, The John Hardaker Direction. Over the last few years the music has evolved into a very soulful brew of blues-tinged jazz-funk reminiscent of Herbie Mann, Yuseff Lateef, Kenny Burrell and Larry Coryell. The JHD likes to keep one foot rooted firmly in the past while the other kicks a little at the envelope. John Harkins  - Leading Sydney piano exponent of the hard bop genre. Also an accomplished vocalist in a solo setting. Holds the piano chair in the 'Straight Ahead Trio'. Originally from Chicago, John has performed and recorded with jazz greats Barbara Morrison and Scott Hamilton. His technique has been compared with Tommy Flanagan and Hank Jones. Read more... John Hibbard - Leading 'Sidecar', melancholic country jazz band. John Leigh Calder - Jazz and Blues and swings like crazy with Col Nolan on keyboards and Toby Hall on the drums. John Morrison  - John Morrison has delighted audiences for more than 25 years with his humor and dedication to sounds that swing. Equally at home in a small group or big band setting, his musical facility runs the entire spectrum from traditional jazz, swing, Bebop, R&B, Soul and commercial jazz rock. John Pochee  - Began his career in the El Rocco in the mid 1950's. He was personal drummer for Shirley Bassey on her 1969 and 1970 tours of Australia and NZ. As a Jazz musician he has played all over the world including Ronnie Scotts, two tours of Russian Jazz Festivals, India, Canada, US and Europe. As a bandleader he has accepted awards including Mo Awards for TPI in 1990, 1996 and 2000. Read more... Jonathon Zwartz  - Read more... Jorge Campano & Flamenco Soul – Using guitar and cajon, Jorge performs many of the traditional songs of Andalucia through to hot contemporary Spanish rhumbas. Joy Mulligan - delightful vocal trio Jazz. Joy Mulligan - Joy originally lived in Perth where she worked in television, radio and nightclubs. After arriving in Sydney, she was contracted to do her own weekly series of radio shows on the ABC, as well as guesting on television programs, such as The Don Burrows Collection on the ABC, The Midday Show etc. Joy has also supported Georgie Fame several times along with Don Burrows and George Golla at the original Supper Club. Her long residency was at the Bourbon & Beefsteak Bar in Kings Cross. Joy has performed at all the major Australian jazz festivals. Kevin Hunt and George Golla are members of Joy’s trio Mulligan Stew. Judy Bailey OAM   - Impressionistic piano. Judy enjoys the challenge of endeavouring to integrate the Classical and Jazz music genres. Her influences include Stan Kenton, Lenny Tristano and Horace Silver. Judy remains one of the key artists in the development of Australian jazz. Judy has won a MO Award and was chosen in 2008 as one of Sydney’s most influential people in the Sydney Morning Herald’s Magazine. While she leads her own trio with Ben Waples on bass and outstanding young drummer Tim Firth, she also has developed the youthful, impressive and dynamic Jazz Connection big band. Read more Judy Campbell  - Judy Campbell's MOSAIC brings together some of Australia's most accomplished jazz performers and composers to present a multicultural rainbow of 'world jazz'. With influences ranging from African to Jewish, Brazilian and American music, they celebrate musical diversity through the lens of contemporary Australian jazz, with a particular focus on vocal textures. Read more... Julien Wilson   'Winner of the 2006 MCA Freedman Fellowship, Julien Wilson has bright tenor tone not unlike the legendary Sonny Rollins. While his improvisational prowess is comparably abundant his tenor style rings darker and introversive. His trio of Stephen Magnusson and Stephen Grant incorporates tango, bossa, folk, classical and jazz elements into their compositions. Karifi – West African percussion driven dance band who also include the incredible capoeira from Brazil. Karl Broadie  - Broadie, a Sydney-based Scotsman, found his way to Australia back in 1997. A debut album, Nowhere Now Here (2003) and a follow-up EP Everybody's Gold (2004) earned this displaced poet/lyricist/troubadour, global recognition and a reputation as a very fine craftsman of songs. Karl Laskowski - Leads his own band Shenzen. Influenced heavily by time spent in China. Soprano saxophonist performing improvised music. Katook - Katook was formed in 2000 at the Canberra School of Music to perform pieces composed by Jess and Zoe, and has stood the test of interstate moves by three members of the band. Through regular touring throughout NSW, ACT, VIC and TAS the group has formed a unique style that encompasses a groove/rock sound and elements of modern jazz composition. Karlie Bruce   - At 22 years of age, Karlie Bruce is fast becoming one of the most in demand vocalists on the Australian music scene. Karlie's contemporary and classical training has provided her with solo and ensemble performance opportunities in jazz, soul, funk, a cappella, music theatre, popular and concert hall music. In September of 2003, Karlie was invited to open for and perform with double-platinum recording artist, Michael Bubl' and his band during his sold out Australian tour. Read more... Katherine Ellis - Can a voice get any bigger than the voice of Katherine Ellis? The chances are slim. She has toured with the likes of Belinda Carlisle, Chaka Khan, Boy George and Roger Sanchez. While her recording credits include work with artists such as The Freemasons, Roger Sanchez, Meat Katie, Dylan Rhymes, Lee Coombs, and many more. Ken James - Tenor and alto saxophonist who has performed with groups such as The Last Straw, Ten Part Invention and Steve Hunter's Nine Lives and has toured extensively internationally. Kenny Powell - mainstream Jazz piano. Arrived in Australia in 1972 having worked with the Jack Parnell Orchestra at Ronnie Scott's in London. He was musical director for Kamahl and has arranged for Bob Barnard. He worked with the Café Society Orchestra and recorded as a soloist in 1989. Powell did weekly arrangements for the ABC Show Band throughout the 1970’s and recorded original orchestral compositions for ABC’s Jim McLeod during the 1980’s and 1990’s. Kenny continues to play piano anywhere and everywhere in Sydney. Kerri Simpson - Kerri Simpson is one of Australia's most respected and accomplished singers. Her unique, powerful voice has traversed a huge expanse of musical styles across a large portion of the globe, enriched through the years by the music and musicians she has encountered. Many female vocalists, when approaching Blues, fall under the misconception that they need to sound like Minnie, Bessie, Etta or Janis. Kerri Simpson sings the Blues like Kerri Simpson, not imitating but initiating, singing from the heart. Kevin Hunt - Kevin is a pianist and composer who can be heard on more than 25 albums. He has worked with some of the finest performers, including Mark Murphy, Herb Ellis, Sheila Jordan and James Morrison. He tours regularly with Don Burrows. Kim Sanders   - Music in the style of Balkan and Turkish Gypsies as well as the eclectic mix of Sufi meditations, bent Balkan dance tunes and original compositions. World Music pioneer Kim Sanders has performed/recorded with Gypsy wedding bands in Macedonia, with the Libidorr Jazz Band in Gambia, as a soloist on National Radio in Bulgaria and at the Jintai Museum in Beijing, with the Istanbul State Modern Folk Music Ensemble in Turkey. Kim also works with his own small ensembles, known collectively as Kim Sanders & Friends. Read more... ...and more... Kim Lawson - altoist with the Oh Quartet. A band that's one of the tough swinging variety. A mixture of standards and original tunes. King Neptune - Contemporary instrumental guitar based trio that brings a wealth of musical influences to the table, combining elements of jazz, rock, blues, funk and pop, led by Franco Raggatt. King Tama-Musser - Somewhere in the south Pacific there is an island paradise, home to a small radio and a content and cohesive tribe, ruled over with compassion by King Tama-Musser. The simple and happy folk are represented through the quirky exploration of serpentine counterpoint, tambor nouveaux, light and warmth. Kristen Cornwall Quartet - One of Sydney's truest singers of Jazz. Uncompromising and sublime in her approach, now based in Belgium Kristin Berardi   – 'When she sings there is no hint of the all too 'cultivated' sound, but things which embody the best qualities in a musician, the most important being honesty and integrity'-Tony Gould. Winner of the 2006 Montreux Shure Jazz Vocal competition. Read more... Ladybelle - Jazz vocal trio led by Cassie Knox. Larissa Burak - Ukrainian born singer and bandura player. Laurie Bennett Jazz Band - leading Sydney traditional Jazz Band lead by the drummer Laurie Bennett. Laurie has worked with the cream of Sydney's Jazz muso's. He was a long serving member of Geoff Harvey's Channel 9 Midday show band an has backed many international cabaret jazz performers. Lawrie Thompson - In 1963 Graeme Bell invited Lawrie to play drums in his All Star band. After a stint with Galapagos Duck he joined the Don Burrows Quartet recording the album Don Burrows Live at the Sydney Opera House. Currently Lawrie performs with the Bob Henderson Band and the Kevin Hunt Trio. Leonie Cohen - Sydney scene pianists leading her own group 'Plus'. Composer and teacher, Leonie has released her Jazzgroove album 'Jerusalem' to critical acclaim. Read more... Leonie Smith   - Sydney Jazz Vocalist known for her chanteuse sultry style. She swings and sings ballads with humour and heartfelt emotion. Her cd "Sweet Jazz" has all the great Jazz Standards, and features some of Sydney's greatest Jazz musicians, including George Golla on Guitar, John Morrison on Drums, Matt Baker on Piano, Stan Valacos on Bass and Julian Gough on saxophone. Produced by Kerrie Biddel and John Morrison. Lily Dior - Lily Dior is one of our leading soul, Jazz and blues vocalists. Lily performs with her own quintet and has released two albums to critical acclaim. 'Lily Dior is an electrifying performer. She has a wonderful big, full musical voice. Lily can tell a story' - Jim McLeod. Livewire - Led by trumpeter Andy Fiddes channelling Australian 1970’s rock with a jazz bent Read more... Lolo Lovina - Dynamic six piece band with a line up that includes violin, voice, bass, two guitars, banjo, bouzouki, saxophone and accordion. The ensemble draws on diverse influences from Irish to Bulgarian folk and from Romanian to French Chanson to build a repertoire of exquisite Gypsy music. Lucy Voronov  – Virtuoso Belorussian cimbalom performer of classical and folk music. Lionel Robinson   - cocktail, latin, lounge, swinging sixties mainstream crooning piano. Mal Webb  - Vocal gymnast, multi-instrumentist and songwriter. Ballads, beatbox and beyond. A jolly jaw-dropping journeyman. Eclectic, ebullient and even educational. Mal Webb uses a world of vocal techniques and writing styles and plays guitar, mbira, slide trumpet, chromatic harmonica, a loop recording pedal called Derek and the audience ... a lot. A founding member of the Oxo Cubans, Sock and Totally Gourdgeous, he plays sometimes with The Cat Empire and Bomba He's like Bobby McFerrin, Aphex Twin and Cole Porter playing Scrabble. Mara! - Mara! is best known as a world music band, fusing dance rhythms and the singing style of Macedonian and Bulgarian folk music with contemporary jazz improvisations in traditional and original compositions. Makin Whoopee   - Duo of Tony King and Kris Ralph producing a beautiful blend of soulful acoustic jazz, folk and blues. Marie Wilson - Sublime interpreter of the vocal jazz repertoire. Marie Wilson combines impeccable phrasing with a melodic clarity that is rarely heard on the Sydney jazz scene. Maree Montgomery - Known as Australia’s ‘First Lady of Swing’ because of her style of performing and her recordings. A respected performer in a class of her own, her repertoire can cover styles of music from Ella Fitzgerald, Michael Buble, and Diana Krall to Natalie Cole and Nora Jones. Maree breathes life into popular songs with her unique and sultry Montgomery flavour. Mark Harris - A bass player who revels in musical variety. Apart from the mainstream jazz he plays when he guests with bands like the James Morrison Sextet, John Morrison's Swing City and the Neilson Gough Trio he also plays and writes for his own modern jazz originals band Mark4. Mark is a member of successful world music group, the musically eclectic Monsieur Camembert,also The Tango Saloon, the the Sean Coffin Quintet ,Mucho Mambo, plays recording sessions from pop to music theatre and classical music, and sings opera. Mark graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium jazz school in 1996 ,already performing regularly in the Sydney jazz scene. He followed his jazz training with time at the opera school before commencing his Master of Music (jazz). Has toured Paris and Tokyo. Leads his own group Mark4 and described by John Clare as ‘a feast of Rhythm, sound and melody’. Mark Isaacs  - has achieved international recognition as a pianist and composer in both jazz and classical music. As a jazz pianist he has toured extensively in Europe, Russia, Asia, the USA, Australasia and the Pacific performing at major festivals and working and recording with some of the art-form's most distinguished international figures while releasing many internationally-acclaimed CDs. He has composed numerous commissioned works for major Australian orchestras, ensembles and soloists (most recently for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Saffire and Tankstream Quartet) as well as music for film, television and the theatre. He has recorded and toured as a classical pianist as well as conducting his own orchestral music. In 1996 he was awarded a Fellowship by the Australia Council and in 2002 he received the inaugural Miram Hyde Composer-Pianist Award. highly professional impressionistic Jazz piano trio. He has made 6 tours to Russia and released several albums and is a well known composer in classical music as well as Jazz. Has performed with trumpeter Kenny Wheeler and is currently the Jazz curator of the Brisbane Powerhouse. See the interview on this website. Read more... Mark Lewis - trumpeter who leads his own quartet made up of Dale Gorfinkel, Mike Majkowski and Paul Derricott. Marsala - Musicians from West Africa, Russia, Italy, Spain and Macedonia team up with local artists to create a cultural banquet that embraces everything from the music of Zimbabwe and Senegal to the music of Tom Waits and Paolo Conte - with tangos, gypsy music, Macedonian love songs, Spanish rumbas and swing in between. With an amazing horn section and pumping West African and Latin American percussion. Matt Baker - Matt is an in-demand pianist as well as leading his own trio. Matt's trio has just recorded their 3rd album with two new young up and coming artists Alex Boneham on bass and Ko Omura on drums. Matt has been performing nationally and internationally for the last several years. He has performed at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland with his trio in 2003 and 2004 as well as solo in 2005 and was a semi-finalist in the Montreux International Solo Jazz Piano Competition three years in a row. Matt has toured Australia extensively with trumpet virtuoso James Morrison. He has played for Wynton Marsalis and Harry Connick Jnr., and has also been the support act for Jazz legends Tony Bennett and Al Jarreau. Since December 2000, Matt is now the resident pianist with Australia's most well-known Jazz band, 'Galapagos Duck', and played in John Morrison's Swing City from 1999 to 2003. Mainstream jazz piano Read more... Matt Keegan  - Just as comfortable playing in US Rock bands as with his tenor trio. The group add to their sound with the use of the maestro saxophone effects unit as used by Eddie Harris in the 1960's. Matt has a big tough sound on tenor and leads his trio made up of Cameron Undy bass and David Goodman drums behind a massive 17 piece drum kit. Modern jazz which is heavily influenced by rock music. Read more... Matt McMahon  - Matt's trio has performed together for 10 years, their music draws from the many traditions of piano trio performance. Influenced heavily by Herbie Hancock and the 2005 winner of the prestigious Freedman Fellowship Award. Matt's one of Australia's most versatile piano players. The diversity in his professional career is evident in his list of credits including, Dale Barlow, Vince Jones, Grace Knight, Tina Harrod etc etc. He won the 1999 National Jazz Award for piano. Probably the future of Australian jazz. Matthew Ottignon  - Matthew moved from NZ to study at the Sydney Conservatorium in 1997. Since graduating, he has worked with and toured nationally with the Mike Nock Project. He has also led his own bands, Mr Sinister and the Ottignon Brothers and is currently performing with the quartet, Java. His own quartet 'Blaze Storm' builds on Matthew's original compositions. His tone is light and bright and Matthew blows with a restrained beauty with a Lester Young like style. Read more Merenia Gillies - Multitalented musician, of Maori, Welsh and Romany heritage who sings in 5 languages and is quickly becoming one of Sydney’s most inimitable and popular female recording artists and live performers - particularly in the Soul, Club and Latin Genres. Often described as a soulful Latin infused Sharon Jones, Merenia is currently signed to ABC music publishing, and is now working in support of her debut Australian release “Libertine”, out now through catalyst recordings, available on iTunes and distributed nationally through Inertia. A powerhouse performer on stage with instinctive vocal talents, Merenia Gillies works extensively as a live performer and studio musician touring interstate, nationally and also performing in Asia. Creating and performing using the traditional styles of her ancestry as a platform for layering hypnotic beats and sultry, soaring vocals which then translate into accessible pieces of music which slip into the decks of club land as easily as they might slip into the lounge room stereo. Melissa Cox - One of the few violinists to embrace jazz convincingly, her flair on her instrument is complemented by a smooth vocal style that endows her performances with warmth. Mezcla - The group of five formed on the 18th of March 2007, and congregated in the oldest jazz venue in Sydney, (The ol' el rocco jazz cellar). A few bits of colour were thrown around with some obscure ideas and the result was a close/warm reaction of five musicians experimenting with sounds/stabs and rhythms. Matt Jollow - percussion and didgeridoo, Marty Kay - reeds, flute n percussion, Paul Blassi - bass, bells and bits, Dave Reaston - guitar, Craig (fusion) Naughton. Influences include David Sanchez, Bill Summers, Wayne Shorter, Airto Moreira, Mahavishnu Orchestra, John McLaughlin, Shakti, Zakir Hussein, Azymuth, Banda Black Rio, Charlie Hunter, John Schofield, Mongo Santermaria, Carlos Patato Valdes, Irekere, Ray Barreto, Changuito, Oscar Valdes, Mwandishi, Late 60's Herb, Los Munequitos de Matanzas. Michael Galeazzi  - Internationally in demand bassist/composer and leader of his own groups Java Quartet and Karma County. ARIA award winner. Read more... Michelle Nicolle  - Probably Australia's premier jazz vocalist. Has 5 albums to her credit. Master scat vocalist who appeared at the 2005 North Sea Jazz Festival. Michelle won the National Jazz Awards at the 1998 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz. She has gone on to become a MO Awards winner three times since 2001. Known for her ability to get right to the heart of a song, as well as being an in the moment improviser. Michelle Nicolle has a rare flair for jazz singing' a lively ingenuity in her phrasing, interpretation, improvising and in the exploitation of her considerable range ' John Shand, SMH. MFW - A Sound comparable to John Schofield's 1980 Shinola trio. The group takes on the grunge influence of the early 1990's Seattle scene and play Rock-Jazz as opposed to Jazz-Rock. Michael Bartolomei - a pianist since the age of 17. Studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Don Burrows and George Golla recorded three of his original compositions on their album ‘Other Places, Other Times’. He has worked regularly with many of the top Australian and overseas artists including James Morrison, Buddy Greco, The Supremes and many more. In 1981 he was awarded an Australian Arts Council Fellowship to study in NY. Mid Jazz Crisis - traditional Jazz featuring trombone player Steve Della Franca. Mike Hallam - co-founder of the Harbour City Jazz Band in 1968. Spent 4 years with Ray Price Quintet and then formed his own "Mike Hallam Hot Six" and played in the Sydney Hilton for 8 years as well as the Sydney Jazz Club and Red Ned's for 7 years. Also worked with Graeme Bell All Stars at Australian jazz festivals. Travelled overseas with the Mister Crow show band, Alan Leake's Jazz Repertory Company and Hot Gossip playing in Jazz festivals in Canada, USA, UK, Thailand and New Zealand. Has toured with the Zenith on their last five trips to England, Scotland, Wales, Hotjazz festival in Germany, Sildajazz Festival in Norway, Riverboat Festival in Denmark, Holywood, Ireland and Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland and USA. Mike Hammond - Mike is a trumpeter who studied Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium, as well as Ethnomusicology at the University of New England. Since moving to Victoria he has earned himself an impressive reputation as being a fine trumpet player as well as being able to double very capably on various other instruments. Mike Majkowski - Young Sydney bassist is making his mark working with great artists including Mike Nock, Dale Barlow, Sean Wayland and Vince Jones. Honest energetic music with open grooves and swing. Mike Nock   - Performs with his trio, project and Big Small Band with vibes. Nock has recorded with many of the American Jazz greats including Michael Brecker, Yusef Lateef, Dave Liebman, Joe Henderson, John Scofield, Sam Rivers and Al Foster. Originally from NZ but must be considered now as the most internationally acclaimed Jazz musician living in Australia. . Since his first recordings with the 'Three-Out' Trio in 1960-61 Mike Nock has remained at the helm of Australian jazz and continues to delight audiences worldwide. His extensive background of experience in a variety of genres with the worlds top musicians from Johnny O'Keefe to Dionne Warwick, Gunther Schuller, Lionel Hampton, Michael Brecker etc, plus his large catalogue of recordings as a leader, combine to give his live performances a rarely heard depth and breadth. Read more... Mike Quigley - an accomplished drummer and musical director. Mike's playing shines through performances with the Sydney Conservatorium Big Band, the Gordon Brisker Big Band as well as progressive new metal band Tourettes. Member of the Java Quartet since 1995. Mike Rivett - Tenor Saxophonist who plays with his own quartet. Playing exciting, original, swinging, modern jazz, churning pits of contemporary harmony and rhythm framing disembowelling melodic improvisations. Mississippi Shakedown - With recent performances at the Goulburn and Thredbo Blues Festivals, Mississippi Shakedown never fails to please an audience, whether it is an audience of blues aficionados or Smokey Pub Joe Public, Mississippi Shakedown always hits the mark. Fronted by Jeff Cripps, 2002 + 2005 + 2006 Aust Blues Music Awards' Producer of the Year, on Slide Guitar and vocals. The band is driven by John Gannon on bass with Derek Smith on drums in the engine room. Read more Monica Trapaga - Cabaret. Monique Lysiak - Monique is a highly skilled jazz pianist, committed to excellence in her teaching and performance. With 25 years teaching experience at Ascham School for Girls, Edgecliff, Queenwood School for Girls, Mosman and the Jazz Action Society. Monique has recorded several CD’s and has performed widely. Monsieur Camembert   - They held the No 1 spot on the Aria Music charts for 5 months, then won the Aria for best World music release. The undisputed kings of Gypsy and Klezmer Jazz. Mosaic - Judy Campbell's MOSAIC brings together some of Australia's most accomplished jazz performers and composers to present a multicultural rainbow of 'world jazz'. With influences ranging from African to Jewish, Brazilian and American music, they celebrate musical diversity through the lens of contemporary Australian jazz, with a particular focus on vocal textures. See the interview on this site with Judy Campbell. Read more... Mothers of Intention  - – Dynamic four piece folk band, reinterpreting the classic Celtic folk songs and tunes. Lush three part vocal harmony, driving guitar, fiery yet soulful fiddle ,lilting recorder and the steady bodhran heartbeat define the Mothers' sound. The Mothers also perform original songs, tunes and eclectic covers. Munkle - Chamber jazz injected with tango, funk, punk and more. Mr Percival - Art for the ears! Few artists paint with sound. Often, they bring their expression to life through their instruments. Mr Percival is bringing his music to the world with his voice and after twenty years of live performing, he can create all the instruments. A childhood spent in the middle of Mexico inspired the canvas for spontaneous vocalization and recording monthly cassette tapes for family and friends back in Australia propelled the fascination for capturing the human voice and being able to play it back. Over the years various recording devices have been introduced to Mr Percival’s experiments and in 2005 the arrival of a looping pedal quickly moved the music from the studio to the stage and audiences have been mesmerized ever since. Nadene Pita - Nadene’s training as a vocalist and viola player in jazz and classical music is strongly evident in her compositions. Then there is South Pacific harmonies, a Maori chant, and a duet with her young daughter. Her voice also carries us through chamber pieces, a tango, mutated funk and free electro-acoustic improvisations. Reflective perhaps of her mixed heritage as a New Zealander growing up in Southport, Queensland, Maori and Irish, with a splash of Cape Verde, thought to be a Portuguese sailor who jumped ship and married a Maori woman way back at the beginning of her father’s line. Read more... Nadya & 101 Candles Orkestra – With her earthy voice and stories from Eastern Europe, Nadya leads an orkestra consisting of musicians from many cultures including Irish, Macedonian, Polish, Russian, Latin American, Bosnian and Jewish. The group headlined at 2005 Womadelaide and have also performed at the Montreux Jazz Festival delighting audiences with their blend of Eastern European and Balkan music with jazz and Latin. Natalie Morrison - In 1993 Natalie graduated from the Conservatorium with an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies. Playing double bass, she has toured extensively with many Australian musicians and bands including Bob Barnard, Ian Cooper and James Morrison to name just a few. Neilsen Gough  - Cool and swinging vocalist and trumpeter in the style of Chet Baker. Specialises in the Baker Mulligan piano-less quartet west coast sounds. Great improviser and not afraid to perform the lesser known jazz tunes along with the favourites. Leads his own quintet.. "Neilsen is truly a gifted musicians whose time has surely come. His natural lyricism as a singer, and masterful jazz improvisation on trumpet are entwined as one. His impeccable taste and choice of material make his music a pleasure to listen to anywhere anytime" - Dale Barlow Read more... Nic Cecire - Nic has been playing professionally for over 20 years. In that time he has performed and recorded with many of Australia’s leading artists in a wide variety of musical settings. Nic is an in demand drummer and has worked with some of Australia’s leading jazz musicians such as, George Golla, Daryl Aberhart, Dale Barlow, Coffin Bros, Elizabeth Carthew, Neilsen Gough, Bill Risby, Andrew Firth, Lily Dior, Mark 4, Niki Crayson, Jonathon Zwartz, Steve Hunter, Jeff Duff, Orly, Dorian Mode, to name a few. Nichaud Fitzgibbon - Nichaud is a fourth generation performer as a member of the renowned jazz and showbiz Fitzgibbon family and it goes without saying, music is in the blood. She grew up surrounded by songs of the 1920s and '30s in the club run by her father Smacka, the beloved Australian jazz musician and entertainer who started his career playing banjo with legendary Graeme Bell. Nichaud's brother Mark is one of Australia's finest jazz pianists and is her collaborator and musical director. Nick Bowd  - saxophonist originally from Qld with influences ranging from musicians like Jon Christensen, Keith Jarrett and Jan Garbarek. Leads his own quartet and recording on Jazzgroove records. Miller Duo  - The Miller Brothers, Chris & Nick Miller lay down a cool groove with influences ranging from Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughan. Nick, is a stylish lead guitarist with lightening licks & innovative technique while Chris, with years of listening to the likes of Stanley Clarke & Wilbur Bascombe sits surely with his hypnotic strumming. With a regulation dose of improvisation, each performance presents a new twist to songs often played. Nicky Crayson  - 'The most original singer I've heard.unforgettable fantastic' - Tony Bennett. Nina Harris - solo pianist and vocalist. New Wolverine Jazz Orchestra - Well known traditional Jazz band in Australia and overseas. They have toured the US six times and have recorded 9 albums. Noel Crows Jazzmakers - Traditional Dixieland Jazz. Noel Elmowy - Smooth Jazz Fusion with a world beat. Leads the band 'Espirito'. One plus One  - A hypnotic blend of jazz standards and original songs fused with enchanting melodies and spicy rhythms. Guitarist and vocalist Nick Miller and pianist Gareth Aird employ innovative arrangements and rich sonic textures to pay tribute to their influences while preserving their own unique sound. They channel the music and spirit of greats such as John Coltrane, Miles Davis, Wes Montgomery and Herbie Hancock. Seasoned and professional performers, Nick and Gareth first played together in 1997, when they were still in high school. Oscar Jimenez - Colombian born vocalist, arranger, composer and guitarist Oscar Jimenez is a performer of many musical styles, from Latin American traditional songs to reggae, funk and Latin jazz. Oscar sings in English, Portuguese, Spanish and French and he is well known locally for his recent work with Sydney funk/Latin group Watussi. O'Vera   - A Mix of Jazz, Latin, Pop favourites with a sophisticated & intimate small group ambience reminiscent of Norah Jones and Diana Krall. John Neeme guitar, Jeni Lind vocals and Lyal Loughnan double bass. Palimpsest   - The band creates a timeless, yet current sound which takes the listener on an entrancing journey across continents, cultures and songwriting eras, fusing elements of swing, Latin, soul, folk and modern grooves and melodies. Bringing his soaring and powerful vocals into this arena, Tyrone Noonan has been backed by some of the country's top jazz musicians since the project began in the late 90s, initially inspired by artists such as New York pianist Brad Mehldau taking popular songs and re-interpreting in a jazz style. "Noonan's vocals are fabulous and easily comparable with Vince Jones; rich, golden, funky and full of emotion." Sound Bites review. Papa Groove - Conceived in 2002, Papa Groove has fast evolved into one of Sydney's finest young jazz outfits. Combining the talent and youthful exuberance of all it's player's, the band (whether it be a duo, trio or nine-piece), entertains it's audiences with sultry crooners, blistering swing or the tastiest toe-tapping grooves. All ready performing in Sydney's best jazz clubs, Jazz festivals around NSW and other major events, Papa Groove is certainly one to keep an eye out for. Papa Mbaye & Chosani Afrique – Exciting eight piece band led by master percussionist Papa Mbaye performing West African, latin, reggae, and jazz rhythms. Paraná - Seven-piece ensemble led by El Salvador-born Reinaldo Portillo on guitar, vocals and tres. This group will please every audience with a repertoire that includes the sweet and haunting sounds of folk music of the Andes region as well as African influences, from Bolivia and Colombia, to the music of Cuba and the Spanish Caribbean. The line-up consists of acoustic guitars, electric bass, tres, bongos and flute. Paul Furniss' San Francisco Jazz Band  - San Francisco West Coast style Jazz . Paul has played with many of Sydney's best traditional Jazz players on Clarinet such as the late Tom Baker, Geoff Bull and Graeme Bell. He has led his own band the San Francisco Jazz Band Paul Cutlan  - saxophonist and flautist of the Coltrane style. Cutlan is one of Australia's most innovative multi-instrumentalists, performing at international WOMAD festivals in England and Mexico in recent times. Also a member of the Australian Art Orchestra and the Aria award winning band 'Mara'. Paul has worked with Ten Part Invention, James Morrison, Bobby Previte and Jim McNeely. Read more... Paul Derricott - Drummer who leads the band 'Arrow'. Driving uncompromising music with a complex collection of influences. Paul Joseph Trio   - mainstream drum trio. Paul Williamson  - Paul has been steadily building his reputation on the Australian jazz and improvisation scene as an individual voice in trumpet and composition since graduating from the Victorian College of the Arts in 1995. He currently leads the Paul Williamson Sextet, and has released four CD's through Newmarket Music. In addition to his original projects, Paul is actively involved in playing, composing, and recording with various collaborations and projects. Currently these include: Los Cabrones, Jamie Oehlers Quintet, Trumpet A-Go-Go with Scott Tinkler, Rumberos, and Bingo Wings with Grabowsky/ Bloxom/ Oehlers and Aravena. In 2003, he was a finalist in the National Jazz Awards. He was also the recipient of an Australia Council 'Skills and Art Development' grant. He has studied with Dave Douglas, Ingrid Jensen, Bill Frisell, George Lewis, Mark Feldman, James Genus and Jason Moran at the 2004 Banff International Workshop. Read more... Paul Winn - substantial repertoire includes a wide selection of styles to suit all occasions. Funk, R & B, Latin, Soul, Mo-town, Jazz and Dinner music, songs from the Big Band era. Peoria Jazz Band - Classic jazz sounds from the north of the city. Performing Brazil – Vocal and instrumental performing a repertoire of samba, MPB, Baiao and Choro. Performing Brazil has been playing Brazilian Jazz and Samba music in Australia since 1997. The ensemble is made up of electric Uke player, percussionist and leader Edgee Ribeiro originally from Sao Paulo. Stan Valacos on bass, Van Fonseca 6 string Latin guitarist, Greg Gibson clarinet, Raphael Almeida Brazilian percussionist originally from Rio de Janeiro, Thiago Mendes Brazilian percussionist from Sao Paulo, Telma Calado vocals Peter Farrar  - Plays Alto sax with his trio formed in 2004. Sensationally hard swinging jazz with a tone evoking the spirit of Ornette Coleman with unusual amounts of energy and excitement. Read more... Peter Ind  - He played on the ship the Queen Mary (1949-51) before settling in New York (1951), where he taught, and performed and recorded with Lennie Tristano (1951), Lee Konitz (1954-57), and Buddy Rich (1957). While living in Big Sur, California (1963-6), he became the first double bass player to give concerts and broadcasts as an unaccompanied soloist. In 1965 he played with Konitz and Warne Marsh.. He toured with Konitz and Marsh in 1975-6. In 1984 he opened the Bass Clef in London, which became one of the city's most popular clubs. Peter continues to perform in a more mainstream style and most notably has recorded in recent years with the Barnard family. Read more... Peter Knight - trumpeter and leader of the group 'Way Out West'. The band takes it's influences from the east and west with it's distinctive Asian instrumentation. Peter Schaefer - Peter Schaefer has studied sitar in India, USA and Australia, with Krishna Chakravarty (disciple of Ravi Shankar); sarode master Ali Akbar Khan, and his disciple Ashok Roy; and composition with Peter Sculthorpe. His own ensemble's performance style mirrors a broad experience of eastern and western musics, combining traditional north indian and contemporary/jazz/world music styles, with influences ranging from Ravi Shankar to John Mclaughlin to Jan Garbarek, among many others. Pigfoot Fever - Infectious Bluesy Soul. Phillip Johnston - Saxophonist from NYC who now calls Sydney home. Forming the quartet SNAP, Johnston has gathered Sandy Evans, Andrew Robson and Nick Bowd to perform new jazz and classical quartet music. A saxophonist, composer and arranger of both jazz and new music, Phillip Johnston has been a significant figure in the underground music scene of New York's downtown since the late 1970s. He has composed extensively for film, theatre and dance, with artists such as Paul Mazursky, Art Spiegelman, Richard Foreman and John Bell. Throughout, he has maintained a parallel career as a saxophonist, both working with others and leading his own bands. As a sideman/collaborator he has performed with such diverse figures as John Zorn, Earl King, Lenny Pickett and the ROVA Saxophone Quartet. During the 1980s he led the Microscopic Septet, and in the 1990s he led Big Trouble and The Transparent Quartet. In late 2006, four new CDs of the music of The Microscopic Septet will be released, with the group reuniting to tour Europe and the US in November/December.Phillip moved from New York to Sydney in 2005 and formed another band entitled the Coolerators. Phil Slater  - National Jazz Award winning trumpeter with one of the most original approaches to the trumpet you are ever likely to experience. Phil's many projects communicate purpose, vision and masterly execution. He has performed and recorded with some of the most influential ensembles and artists in Australian music, from the Australian Art Orchestra to Mike Nock, Vince Jones, Barney McAll, DIG and Steve Hunter. Phil leads or co-leads a number of projects including his own quartet, BOFN, Strobe Coma Virgo and The Very Interactive Band. He has performed as a featured artist at many music festivals including the Montreux jazz festival, the Montreal jazz festival, Umbria Jazz and the North Sea Jazz festival. Picason - The acoustic alias of Son Veneno, drawing on traditional Afro-Cuban influences such as the Bolero, Cha Cha, Son and Rumba. Pugsley Buzzard - Pugsley's sound has been compared to Dr John, Tom Waits and Louis Armstrong and features New Orleans style stride piano, blues and funk. Rachel Gaudry   - As attractive as her voice is, it's the flow of Rachel Gaudry's songs that is immediately attractive. There are no visible joins in the construction to distract the listener from the dreamy combinations of words and music... Gaudry's voice is a cool breeze, rising in the country and blowing intimacy and intrigue through the lovingly crafted songs." -John Shand. Ralph Pyl - Leader of the Sydney All Star Big Band and Groove Machine Big Band. Ralph's big bands have backed some of the biggest names including James Morrison, Anthony Warlow, Frank Bennett and Don Burrows. Not to mention the hugely successful 'Frank' The Sinatra Story with Tom Burlinson. Ralph knows how to assemble the finest musicians in the country. Ralph Pyl's Sydney All Star Big Band. Formed in 1990 by the leading Australian trumpet player Ralph Pyl. The band has been the backing band of choice for many Australian and international entertainers including Vanessa Rubin, Buddy Greco, Bobby Shew, Maria Schneider and Bob Florence. Ray Beadle - Guitarist who heads his own blues band 'Ray Beadle and the Vipers'. Remco Keijzer - Dutch saxophonist whose style ‘really shines with well crafted compositions and soulful playing’ Chris Potter. Richard Maegraith  - is one of Sydney's most established jazz saxophonist's and flutist's. He has played with most, if not all of Sydney's finest jazz, world and commercial musicians and groups including James Morrison, John Morrison's Swing City, Mike Nock, Judy Bailey, (the late) Roger Frampton, Sean Wayland, Matt McMahon, Tim Rollinson (D.I.G), Tom Burlinson, Sydney All Star Big Band, Jeff Duff, Lily Dior, Nicky Crayson (Galapagos Duck), Tigramuna, Candela and Virna Sanzone. Richard has appeared numerous times at many of Australia's Jazz Festivals including Wangaratta, Manly, Bellingen and Noosa. He holds three accreditations from the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, the highest being a Masters that was awarded in 2001, for which he received the Zelma Oakley Dinely Scholarship. He has been recorded on over 20 released albums dating from 1994. Roger Manins  - The institution of hard swinging, feel good soulful tenor saxophone. Winner of the 2002 Wangaratta saxophone award, Roger Manins is one of the finest young saxophonists to come from New Zealand. His international recognition and exposure includes five years in New York, he has performed with some of Australia's leading jazz musicians including Mike Knock, Mark Isaacs, Phil Slater and Ten Part Invention. Originally from New Zealand, Roger Manins arrived here in the early 1990s and almost immediately, mainly via his work with the trio Trisaurus, showed that he was a rapidly developing tenor saxophonist of enormous potential. Romantika - A band whose roots are firmly placed in the Macedonian and Balkan traditions. Renowned for their diverse rhythmical patterns and melodies, the group is influenced by the music of Macedonia, Serbia and Romania. These are accomplished musicians whose compositions inspire and impress world music lovers from all cultural backgrounds. Ross Ogden   - modern jazz vocalist, gaining a reputation on the scene and fronting great bands that feature a selection of Australia's finest musical talent. His Quintet features Carl Dewhurst, Cameron Undy, Evan Mannell and of late, Matt McMahon or Aron Ottingnon on keys. A new project is a Trio with James Muller and Nick Sinclair. Ross Ward - blues (with country influence) guitarist and singer. Sally Street - Sally’s voice which has been described as “exquisite”, has the magic seduction of playtime and her rich and playful delivery lifts hearts and spirits as she moves effortlessly during her performances between swinging jazz standards, blues, latins and soulful ballads. Born into a musical family, Sally has studied singing under some of Sydney’s jazz legends including Kerrie Biddell, Joy Yates and Steve Clisby. Samba Mundi - A collective of personalities that began as a trio and has now flourished into an exciting and terribly groovy outfit. Comprising musicians from all over the world, each brings their own influences and style to the original compositions. With a strong Brazilian foundation, Samba Mundi adds jazz, funk, tango, European folk and African layers to create unique world music. Based and formed in Sydney in 2004, this group’s music can be both powerful and delicate. Sam McNally Band - Smooth Jazz lead by internationally acclaimed keyboard player Sam McNally. Sam Rolling - Talented Sydney based guitarist from the Wes Montgomery lineage Read more... Sandy Evans  - – Sandy Evans has long been recognised as one of the leading performers and composers in Australian contemporary jazz and was awarded the inaugural Bell Award for Australian Jazz Musician of the Year. Sandy Evans has been part of so many important groups both past and present, like Women & Children First, Clarion Fracture Zone, the Bronson/Evans/Robson Quintet (all as co-leader) and Ten Part Invention, The catholics, The Australian Art Orchestra, The Gai Bryant Quartet and Gest8 where she is a key soloist/composer. Sandy has won many awards including an APRA Award for Jazz Composition of the Year and several Mo and Aria Awards. Read more... Satsuki Odamura – Master of the Koto. Simon Tedeschi  - Read Simon’s bio and High 5 Skorba - Skorba is a musical collaboration between John Robinson (oud, tamboura, guitar), Andy Busuttil (percussion, vocals, whistles, clarinet) and various guests performing original music sung in Maltese with a theme of cultural unification. Drawing on the collective musical backgrounds of these two musicians, Skorba is a unique representation of the historic cultural influences on the Islands of Malta. Scott Simpkins  - Leads the Scott Simpkins Trio dishing up both hot, swingin jazz and cool mellow jazz. Scott Tinkler - A trumpet sound rich in vibrato that is now distinctly his own, Tinkler commands an audience with his presence and extends on diverse ideas with fierce energy and relentless creativity. Sean Coffin   - In my humble esteem, Sean Coffin is an accomplished musician, composer and arranger in the jazz tradition ' Bob Mintzer. Sean is a leading saxophonist, composer and teacher in the Sydney jazz and music scene. Sean spent 10 years living, studying and performing in Boston and New York. Read more... and more... Sean Wayland - Performs with his own trio and has worked with internationally acclaimed performers such as Norah Jones and Madeleine Peyroux. Works with his bands the 'Magic Band' with James Muller and the 'Specialists'. Modern jazz pianist/keyboardist who loves the sound of the fender rhodes and synthesizers. Released 8 albums as leader and has studied and worked in New York City with artists such as Barry Harris, Kevin Hayes and Bruce Barth. Read more... Seaworthy – A three piece collective that revolves around core member Cameron Webb as well as Sam Shinazzi and Greg Bird, was formed in early 2000 to explore melodic and experimental approaches to the construction (and unravelling) of minimalist sound scapes from looped guitar, warm drones, piano, electronics and field recordings. Serge Ermoll Trio  - original modern Jazz piano. Serge Ermoll - For nearly forty years, jazz pianist Serge Ermoll has been renowned for his exceptional skills, constantly pushing boundaries, while defying the marketplaces demands to conform. His group, Free Kata, formed in the 1970s, "...ripped open the heart of music aesthetics in Australia." (John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald, August 2003). Ermoll has played with some of the greats of the international jazz scene. During the recording of more than twenty-nine internationally released albums and playing on the live circuit across the globe, he has created moments with some of the greatest names in modern jazz. Shalom Andrews   - Entertains audiences in a style that she has coined ‘vintage jazz and blues’ due to its 1930s-50s origins. In 2004, Shalom established her own Quintet with the purpose of developing a sound that is uniquely their own. Previously, Shalom performed for eight years with the award winning Benjamin’s Big Band (BBB). Performing with this band gave her experience in fronting a 40 piece ensemble covering a variety of music styles including jazz, pop, soul and blues. With BBB, Shalom toured to the USA and Canada where she performed at Montreal Jazz Festival, Harlem Meer Festival (Central Park, NY), Vancouver Jazz Festival, Wally’s Jazz Club (Boston) and Smoke Nightclub (Broadway, NY). She also sang annually at NSW jazz festivals including Manly, Kiama, Merimbula, Newcastle and Thredbo. "Shalom Andrews is an evocative performer whose powerful voice transports audiences to another time." Drum Media, March 2007 Shannon Barnett - Melbourne trombonist and 2007 winner of the Bell Award for Young Jazz Artist of the Year. She performs regularly with Vada, Andrea Keller Project, Gian Slater Ensemble, Murphy’s Law, The Bennetts Lane Big Band and the Saarelaht/Barnett/Browne Trio and others. She also leads her own ensemble, the Shannon Barnett Quintet which performs her original compositions. Shannon has been nominated for the Music Council of Australia/Freedman Foundation Jazz Fellowship twice. Showa44  - Venture into musical terrain where the full sonic possibilities of their instruments may be explored, but with experimentation being a means, never an end. Beauty and surprise are the ends. The duo is made up of Carl Dewhurst on guitar and Simon Barker percussion. Sidecar - Led by John Hibbard on trombone. Country scapes and industro blues. Silvia Entcheva – Vocalist in traditional and ancient Bulgarian songs in a voice that is both stunningly wistful and powerful. Simon Barker  - Drummer who studied at the Manhattan School of music with John Riley, Keith Copeland and Marvin Smitty Smith. Since returning to Australia in 1990 he has performed throughout Australia, Europe, Asia, US and a 17 city concert tour throughout Russia with the Mark Isaacs trio. Drummer of choice for many bands including the Vince Jones Band and Paul Grabowsky. His interest in developing new music with East Asian musicians has also led to collaborations with Drummer/composer Won Il (Seoul, April 02), and improviser Kim Dae Hwan (Seoul 99). In 2003 and 2004 Simon was a guest speaker for the Asialink Leadership program and in 2002 was awarded an Asialink residency grant to engage with musicians and arts agencies in South Korea for three months. Read more... Simon Ferenci - Trumpeter with his own Quintet. Since being selected as a finalist in the Wangaratta National Brass Awards two years ago, Simon has been making his mark with a killer sound and hellish lines. Skorba – Contemporary compositions about the ancient Neolithic temples of Malta. Slewfoot  - Performing as a 6, 7 or 8 piece band, Slewfoot's unique show comprises old-school funk & soul, seventies jazz and retro afro-blues music. Their repertoire includes songs from Lou Donaldson, James Brown & JB's, Fela Kuti, Miles Davis and Kool & the Gang, to name a few. In demand at venues such as Sydney's Winebanq and The Macquarie Hotel, and seen at last year's Bondi Winter Music Festival, the band is a melting pot of musos all successful with their own projects, led by saxophonist David Weir and guitarist John Wardle. Together since 1995 with a name borrowed from a Dizzy Gillespie song!. Spike Mason's Oximetric - Explorations of time and space led by saxophonist Spike Mason with Jeremy Borthwick on trombone.The Oximetric concept is the creation of natural flowing rhythms of conversation and interaction. Each member plays independent ideas and the multiple layers tend towards discerning restraint, engendering a blend of beauty and tension. Often poignant and folk-like played like calm plangent brass chorales. Read more... Spyglass Gypsies  - Combining traditional French gypsy songs with swinging originals Spyglass Gypsies bring the bygone days of bohemian Paris into the present with the lyrical sounds of accordion, clarinet and the percussive 'la pompe' of gypsy guitars. Energetic and playful, this group are sure to set feet tapping, legs dancing and smiles to the faces of all those who hear them. Spyglass Gypsies are Richard Ashby and Cameron Jones on Manouche guitars, Loretta Palmeiro on clarinet and soprano saxophone, Andrew Scott on accordion and Shannon Haritos on double bass. Established in 2010 by Ashby and Palmeiro, the group formed through studying and performing in previous jazz projects. “We love the history and traditions of Gypsy Jazz music”. Guitarist and band leader Richard Ashby said. “But we also love contributing to the genre with our own compositions, bringing a modern slant to the traditional style”. Squall  - French horn player Stephen Morley fronts this group which plays original tunes and music from Dave Holland. Read more... Stephan Schafer - Born and raised in Nuremburg, Germany, he studied classical saxophone with Günther Priesner at the Meistersinger - Konservatorium in Nuremburg from 1988 to 1994. 1989 Stephan came third in the prestigious national competition “Jugend musiziert”. During the time in Germany he already worked as a freelancing musician with various jazz, latin, funk and rock bands, Chamber Music Ensembles, the opera, Theatre Shows and Big Bands. In 1994 he migrated to Sydney, Australia. He has been teaching saxophone at Shore Grammar School since February 1995. Further studies include lessons with Dale Barlow, Walt Weiskopf and Grant Stewart. Steve Brien  - Steve spent most of the 90's living in the USA, teaching and playing gigs in the greater New York area with many prolific artists including Giacomo Gates, Ali Ryerson and Ralph LaLama. Prior to this, Steve had established himself on the Sydney scene as a sought-after sideman with artists including the world-renowned Dale Barlow, Keith Stirling, Errol Buddle and Don Burrows. He also toured internationally at this time with many groups - most notably the "James Morrison Quartet". Steve Arie - Self taught bass player who has played with DIG, Dale Barlow, Bernie McGann, Ten Part Invention and now a solid member of Wanderlust Read more... Steve Clisby   - African American Soul Vocals. Steve Elphick - Double-bassist Steve Elphick has made many overseas tours with folk-jazz group Mara! and various jazz groups including Ten Part Invention and The Engine Room. He has played with many jazz greats including Lee Konitz and Steve Lacey. In Australia he has performed and recorded extensively with cutting-edge improvising bands including The World According to James, The Andrew Robson Trio and The Umbrellas. Steve Hunter - Bass player who leads a number of bands including his quartet, quintet and 'Nine Lives'. Renowned virtuoso on the electric bass for many years now, Steve Hunter is also an award winning composer with over 90 of his compositions/songs released on various albums. A great bass player who deserves the loyal following he has built up. When Steve recently returned from Spain, the groove returned to Sydney. Read more... Steve McKenna  - Guitarist who studied with Joe Pass and Pat Martino before taking the position of head of jazz guitar studies at the Sydney Conservatorium. Steve has played internationally with major jazz figures such as Dizzy Gillespie, Courtney Pine and Mike Nock. After arriving in Germany in 1994, Steve established himself in the European scene as a sought-after musician and played and recorded with Bob Berg, Joe Pass and Mike Stern. Leader of 'Steve McKenna Quartet and Trio' and 'SteveMcKenna Organ Trio'. Read more... Steve Russell - Steve was born into music. Son of highly respected classical and jazz pianist, Peg Russell, he received a thorough classical training and was performing as early as the age of five. He also became an accomplished bassist and guitarist. He soon embarked on a busy musical career, his skills and versatility much in demand in the Australian music scene. His 25 years of extensive sideman experience include the likes of international jazz artists, James Morrison, Eartha Kitt, Dale Barlow, Richie Cole, Chuck Findlay, Georgie Fame, and Nancy Wilson, contemporary Australian musicians Mark Simmonds, Bernie McGann, Jim Kelly, Bob Gebert, Tommy Emmanuel, Roger Frampton, Kristin Berardi, James Sherlock and Australian jazz icons Don Burrows and George Golla. He has jammed with jazz drummer Billy Hart and bassist Miroslav Vitous and has support credits for Gerry Mulligan and Wynton Marsalis. Stole & Black Train Band  – This cheerful ensemble performs a wonderful variety of music from all over the world including Hungary, Russia, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Macedonia, Senegal and more. Stringmansassy - from Middle Eastern and Celtic traditional music to Ella Fitzgerald and Tuck and Patti. Stu Hunter - The organist who leads his own band 'Ra gu'. Original music and the odd classic to fire up the engine room of soul. Subito - Subito's repertoire includes a blend of original material as well as arrangements of classics by artists such as The Brecker Brothers, Dave Weckl Band, Chick Corea, Tower of Power, George Benson and even The Beatles to name a few. Since it's foundation, Subito has developed into an immensely cohesive and versatile ensemble. Sugar Blue  - Formed in the spring of 2006 to play jazz standards, light latin grooves and modern tunes with a jazzy twist. The trio features Gem Murray on vocals, Mark Knezevic on guitar & vocals and Adam Gittins on double bass & vocals. Sugar Blue’s repertoire ranges from Norah Jones’ contemporary hit “Don’t know why” through the jazzy rhythms of “Fever” to the Latin groove of “Wave”. Survival of the Fiddes  - Trumpeter Andrew Fiddes has been living in Europe for 2 yrs. Susan Gai Dowling  - Dowling's larynx may never assault the ears with brazen virtuosity or with flights of improvised incandescence, but she is a singer whose natural habitat for self expression is a real jazz band. So natural did it sound that it almost became jazz as folk music - John Shand. Band members include Bernie McGann on alto saxophone and Carl Dewhurst on guitar. Sydney Fusion Jazz Jam   - - Sydney Fusion Jazz Jam is created by Musicians and operates for Musicians. We welcome all creative Jazz minds to our well-organised professionally sounding Jam sessions. Great fun atmosphere, perspective industry connections, confidence building, challenging skills-building music communication are guaranteed. Our vision is to be recognized as one of the most progressive Jazz development providers in Sydney with performance programs and jam sessions most recognized for its quality , innovation, confidence given and impact in promoting Peace, Cross-cultural Synergy and Growth of Jazz Music . Motivated and inspired by our Vision that people from all over the world can work together in peace and harmony through the wonderful and powerful medium of Jazz Music, Sydney Fusion Jazz Jam Team visions Music as the only International language, cutting through all barriers and opening hearts and minds wherever it is heard. From Bud Powell to Chick Corea, Miles Davis to Keith Jarrett, Weather Report to Brecker Brothers, Trad.Jazz to Funk Fusion...We celebrate Jazz at every Jam session. Taikoz – One of Australia's most energetic and exciting drumming groups, combining the awesome power of the traditional Japanese taiko with the ethereal tones of the bamboo shakuhachi. Tal Wilkenfeld - Aussie born bassist who spent 3 years in the US playing with jazz luminaries such as Jeff Tain Watts, Mike and Leni Stern, Marcus Miller and Richard Bona. Tango Bar - Tango Bar has made an impact on the Sydney tango scene with their energetic style of playing, exploring the original roots of tango - the sounds and flavours of a passionate music that has forever moved audiences around the world. Featuring Raul Techera on bandoneon, Tango Bar specialises in the authentic sound and rhythm of tango, delighting tango dancers. All members of Tango Bar are originally from the land of tango and milonga, the "Rio de la Plata", Buenos Aires and Montevideo. Tanya Sparke  - Singer/songwriter. For nine and a half years she was the Assistant Musical Director of the Sydney based a cappella group The Cafe of the Gate of Salvation Choir alongside Tony Backhouse and was also a member of his group The Elevators. Tanya has worked with some of Australia and New Zealand's finest creative talents; Lloyd Swanton, Sandy Evans, Peter Dasent, Tim Finn and Jane Campion who said of her singing, "Listening to her is an utterly original experience, treasured, deep intoxicating." Tender Madness - Alban Teh Howell (Piano/Band Leader) Mike Fewchuck (Bass) Francisco Munoz (Drums). Ten Part Invention - Australia's most innovative and exciting contemporary Jazz ensemble. Led by John Pochee, TPI has made a profound contribution to Australian contemporary jazz and Australian music in general. In 2004 they opened the eyes and ears of the US jazz scene at festival and club performances in Chicago that received standing ovations and the admiration of the American criticsMulti Award Winning ensemble - 'A veritable who's who of Australian Contemporary Jazz' Brisbane Courier Mail. Read more... The Bamako Three - String trio performing music from West African griots. The Capitols  - are a band playing music from cool jazz through to upbeat pop, rock and dance classics. They create a wonderful warm sound perfect for that cocktail party gathering, background music for corporate settings, weddings and parties. Also available as a duo or trio where suitable. Featuring Martin Cilia Guitar, Andy Gatfield Sax, Steve Howard Vocals, Mike Berry Double Bass and Paul Carter on Drums. The catholics - an eclectic mix of musics from Africa, South America and the middle east with a Jazz sensibility lead by bassist Lloyd Swanton who also plays electric bass. ‘It is their virtuosity, imagination and inventiveness of Lloyd Swanton’s writing which makes this music so successful’- Rolling Stone. The Conglomerate   - A journey of experimentation and free spirited contemporary jazz that will give you an essence of smoke filled clubs below the darkened streets of New Orleans. Band members include Ollie McGill piano, Jules Pascoe double bass, Harry Shaw-Reynolds drums, Harry Angus trumpet. Read more... The Field - Guitarist Bruce Reid's band has affinities with the likes of Ry Cooder and Bill Frisell, yet it is utterly distinctive - John Shand SMH. The group pays tribute to country, gospel, blues, soul and funk to create a unique and recognisable soulful jazz sound. The Idea of North - The first vocal group outside of the US to win the 'Harmony Sweepstakes', the worlds biggest acapella singing competition. James Morrison said 'the best vocal group in the country'. The Honeybees  - – Non-profit community choir established primarily for the purpose of promoting and encouraging a cappella singing, in particular gospel music, in Australia. The Honeybees is not a religious choir but the group is united in its love of the uplifting and passionate quality of the gospel genre. Our repertoire includes traditional gospel songs as well as modern gospel- inspired numbers which draw on related musical styles such as soul, R&B and jazz. The Honeybees was formed in 1996 under the direction of acclaimed singer-songwriter Tony Backhouse. The Jaraka Collective  - Reeling from one style to the next in an eclectic mix of jazz, Latin, fusion and avant-garde, the Jaraka Collective create a whirlwind of hip modern jazz. All three members are gaining reputations in Sydney as great emerging young jazz talents. Having each worked locally and internationally with a range of ensembles, they bring a huge range of influences to a group that is building an impressive original repertoire featuring Chris Notley-Smith, Keys. Steele Turkington, Drums + Found Objects. Jara Johnston-Anderson, Prepared + Unprepared Double Bass. The Jive Bombers   - Jive and vocals think Chatttanooga Choo Choo. Specialising in swing, R&B and Latin dance band classics. Tin Pan Alley to Memphis funk grooves. The Moods   - Danceable Jive style Jazz The Jukebox - Live trashy-pop mash-ups, blending every genre known to man with songs from all eras. A messed up covers band with a completely improvised unpredictable show led by Johnny Maddox on bass. The Lounge Quintet – aka The Fretless Five formed in 2005 after a serendipitous meeting between singer/choir director Stuart Davis and cellist/Sydney Chamber Orchestra director Guy Curd. The band quickly established a great rapport and a common vision – to play our own arrangements of original and classic pop songs in a traditional strong quartet + voice format. Inspired in part by the wonderful collaboration of Elvis Costello with The Brodsky Quartet, the group has found a niche combining the highly elaborate songs of early David Bowie and recent Rufus Wainwright, with the character-driven songs of Elvis Costello and singer Stuart Davis. Another strong influence is the Cuban ‘son' music made popular by the Buena Vista Social Club. Arrangements are mainly by Stuart, but some material comes from local musicians Tony Backhouse and Jackie Orszaczky. The Ladybelle Quartet - The Ladybelle Quartet perform a selection of old and new jazz standards and can also perform a range of original jazz compositions. The Quartet consists of Ladybelle on guitar and vocals, Tim McArtney on Double Bass, Karl Deitz on Trumpet/Cornet and Piano, and Chris Fields on Drums and Percussion. The Necks   - 100% improvised extended soundscapes in trio mode of piano, bass and drums. The Necks are not just jazz. Yet neither are they just trance, or ambient, or minimalist, but rather a thoroughly unique melding of these elements and more, into something that continues to impress with its utter originality. The New Dynamites - Heavily influenced by indie/dub sounds, the band sets its sights to be respectful of the craft of playin' a groove whilst exploring new territory. Riffs take you on a zappaesque, odd ball journey but never leave the blues stomp. Jess Green's vocals hark to blues origins whilst paying tribute to the ethereal qualities of Susanne Vega and the waxing of Waits style poems. The Rainmakers  - They are Jane Thompson and James Rigby (from nationally acclaimed folk band Blackwood) with their 3 daughters, Maggie, 14, Elsie, 12, and Naomi, 10. They sing with sublime harmonies born of many hours together in the confines of the car, and play various instruments, from marimba and ukulele, to guitar, fiddles and accordion. The Rainmakers' rapidly expanding repertoire includes award-winning originals, addressing matters of the heart and issues of our time; Australian songs with distinctive arrangements; and close-harmony a cappella songs from Samoa, Torres Strait Is, indigenous America and close-to-home, sung with great musicality and charm. Their diversity, skill and personable approach is widely appealing. The Swadlings  - A vibrant three-piece band performing original songs. Their music draws on folk roots featuring vocals, harmonies, acoustic guitars, bass and mandolin. They take their audiences on a journey with songs that are lively and melodic while their ballads are touching and moving. The Random Quartet  - The members of the Random Quartet are Pat Wiblin guitar, Simon Chadwick – Sax, Lindsay Beech - BassRoss Ferraro - Drums. The Savoy Quintet - Formed in 1995 to perform the music of the songwriters of the 20s, 30s and 40s and the great Broadway Musicals. The stylish and sophisticated arrangements of songs by Gershwin, Berlin, Rodgers and Hart, Cole Porter and many others, are suitable for smaller functions and intimate background music, as well as for bigger events and ballroom dancing. The Savoy Quintet was formed by professional Sydney freelance musicians. Their backgrounds range from classical to jazz, and they are all members or leaders of various classical ensembles and orchestras, as well as jazz groups. The basic line-up of violin, reeds, piano, bass and drums is ideal for that charming and nostalgic sound of this “Golden Era”, somewhere between Jazz, Swing and Salon Music. The Belles  - Trio of girls singing in the style of The Andrews Sisters and 1930's/40's swing jazz. They have worked as soloists for many years, in venues around the world, and have now combined their talents to bring us a sound that has not been heard for years. Their attention to detail, both vocally and stylistically is noted. Complete with sassy dance moves, these girls have recently been seen at the Newcastle Jazz Festival with the Paul Griffith's Orchestra, and have made appearances at Unity Hall Jazz (Balmain) with Dan Barnett and his Big Band, and The Sydney City Showband. The Space Cadets - Led by veteran drummer, John Pochee the line-up is the classic quintet formula of trumpet saxophone and rhythm section playing original composition from it's members the Ottignon brothers, Warwick Alder and Cameron Undy. The Sydney Balalaika Orchestra - Dedicated to bringing the folk music of Russia to Australian audiences. The orchestra has a large repertoire of light classical and traditional folk music which is performed on authentic Russian instruments. The performers share their love for the beauty of true Russian music, where the mellow, melancholic melodies are juxtaposed with lively and energetic melodies. The Tango Saloon - Astor Piazzolla meets Ennio Morricone in this tango-flavoured project with a twist of spaghetti western plus jazz and electronics. Musicians from Monsieur Camembert, Mr Bungle, Darth Vegas and Munkle. The Transylvaniacs – Vibrant Gypsy music of Romania and Hungary. The Umbrellas - Led by Peter Dasent on piano, this is eclectic music in the truest sense of the word. A place where Frank Zappa and Duke Ellington meets. The Vampires - Original Gothic Jazz with influences from Latin, to dub to free jazz. The World According to James  - An eclectic mix of free form Jazz and compositions by one of Australia's most distinctive Jazz trombonists James Greening. Outstanding soloing, very distinctive compositions and arrangements give it a strong musical personality. "Greening's trombone playing has always carried a buoyancy in the phrasing and shaping of the notes, above and beyond the ripe tone and wit of many of the lines. His compositions further the cause, and sit neatly beside those of Robson's"- John Shand SMH. Read more... Tim Bruer  - Pianist/composer Tim Bruer who has completed his master's degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of music studying with Mike Nock, Judy Bailey and Dale Barlow. A thoughtful, reflective player but capable of energising his fellow quartet band members with his all original repertoire. Major influences include Keith Jarrett and Chick Corea. Over a career spanning more than 25 years, Tim has performed with many of Australia’s finest musicians including Bernie McGann, Dale Barlow, James Morrison, Bruce Cale, Lloyd Swanton, Jackie Orzarsky, Carl Orr, Steve Hunter, and Elana Stone. He holds both a Bachelor of Music and a Masters of Music degree in jazz performance. Read more... Tim Neal - Tim rides the Hammond organ like a steam train with a belly full of coal. Having recorded over 30 albums, done countless sessions and performed at most major festivals in Australia, Asia and the Pacific, Tim Neal has earned the reputation of being the best damned organ player in the country. Tim O'Dwyer - accomplished alto saxophonist and bass clarinettist/composer. Performs with his own trio in the style of Eric Dolphy and Anthony Braxton. Also a member of the Aria Award winning 'Bartok Project'. Tim Stocker  - Tim Stocker is a Sydney Baritone Saxophonist who moved to New York in 2010. Known for his big sound and melodic improvisation style, Tim also composes original music for Quartet, Trio and Septet. Reviews: "The large instrument sounded magnificent, round and darkly rolling, in the room" - John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald Tina Delandre  - Performing in duo and trio settings, smooth, sophisticated, stylish and sassy. Tina swings the classic jazz standards and has produced a show bringing back the 50's retro rock/jazz era. Among many other local venues, Tina and her trio perform monthly at the Sydney Antique Centre where they have been resident for the last 18 months. Tina draws on the best musicians around and that includes guests such as Kevin Hunt, Matt Baker, Terry Wilkinson, Kenny Powell and many others. Tina Harrod - One of the most soulful voices in the country. A superb earthy tone and powerful ability to realise the emotional content of a song are enough to well tears in the eyes of her audience. Tim Stevens - Melbourne based pianist who leads his own trio to critical acclaim. 'intelligent thoughtful music-making' - Adrian Jackson. Tom O’Halloran  - 2003 Freedman Fellowship finalist, pianist, conductor and composer Read more. Toby Hall  - intensely youthful and exuberant drummer who has studied in New York City with the best. Toby is one of the most highly regarded Australian drummers. He has played on more than 20 CD’s performed with virtually every major Australian jazz artist and toured extensively throughout Australasia, Europe, USA, Canada and the South Pacific. A band-leader in his own right he also plays with many of the best Sydney bands including Alister Spence Trio, The World According to James, Sandy Evans Trio and Paul Capsis as well as many top international artists. Tony Eardley  - After a long break from music, during which he even gave away his old guitar, he rediscovered his roots in folk music when he moved to Australia in 1995 and joined Sydney's Solidarity Choir. Since then he's started singing solo again and writing songs. His repertoire is now eclectic, ranging from traditional ballads to his own originals and those of other contemporary writers. Tony Esterman - Born in London, Tony began piano lessons at age 8 and at age 13 studied at the Guildhall School of Music. He played in an army band before coming to Australia in 1960. He performed at the famous El Rocco Jazz Cellar, both as a sideman and in groups under his own leadership. He recorded and played in Richard Ochalski’s Straight Ahead. In 1975, he joined John Pochee’s quintet The Last Straw with which he toured New Zealand, Canada and Russia. He has accompanied many visiting jazz artists including Richie Cole, Phil Woods and the singer, Mark Murphy. For eight years he was with the Bill Burton Orchestra with which he backed many overseas stars. Tony Gorman  - Award winning composer, arranger and musician Tony Gorman woke up one morning and found his energy low and movement extremely restricted. The diagnosis: multiple sclerosis. Following a period of reflection and adjustment Tony emerged with a beautiful suite Songs of Hope. In an interview on Radio National Tony said: "The artist paints what the poet can't say, and the musician plays what the artist can't paint. I've got a million thoughts in my head, there are just thousands of thoughts entering my head. I had to play music that didn't hurt, least of all me, and I didn't have the energy to kind of go wild like I used to, but I find this music's just as wild, in its own way, it's wild." Read more... Tony Gould - Tony Gould is one of Australia's most treasured musicians. Over the last 26 years he has recorded numerous CDs for Move Records, featuring as both a pianist and composer in Jazz and more classically based genres. Travis Constable - Drummer who began his musical career as an eight year old on Piano. His influences are as diverse as Mozart to the Beatles to Led Zeppelin and a host of Funk and Jazz Artists. In 2001, Travis was nominated for 'Best Drummer' in the National 'Kool Skools' Awards, and his band, 'Double Cross' was awarded 'Best Funk Band'. Many drummers continue to inspire Travis, Carter Beauford, Steve Gadd and David Garibaldi to name a few. Yet Travis has a style and flair that is uniquely his own. Travis joined Subito in 2004. Trio Apoplectic  - A piano-less ensemble made up of Dave Jackson on alto, Alex Masso on drums and Abel Cross on bass having emerged out of the Sydney Conservatorium, the trio have built upon the foundation of the Bernie McGann trio but individual passages of free-form improvisation embellishes their sound along with lesser known compositions from Mal Waldron and Thelonious Monk. Read more... Triosk - Formed in 2001 with the objective to perfom improvised based music in which loops, samples and electronics play an active and equal role. '...amazingly beautiful, also menacing, powerful, eerie, haunting, euphoric' John Clare SMH Nov 2004. Unity Hall Jazz Band - traditional Dixieland Jazz Urban Excentrics –   - Diverse fusion of jazz, folk, classical and contemporary sounds are produced by tantalising double basses, dancing mandolin, banjo and citern with driving rhythm guitar & solos. Unified by inspired vocals, their rich cultural history and musicianship take you on a unique journey and leave you wanting more. Ann Palumbo - Vocals, Double Bass, Mandolin Paul Laszlo - Double Bass, Banjo, Vocals Larry Hoofs - Guitar, Cittern. Urban Gypsies  - – Have performed at numerous festivals and clubs around Australia for almost a decade. They have held residencies and sold out concerts in exclusive venues including The Vanguard, Perth Concert Hall, Perth Entertainment Centre, Side on Cafe, Cargo Bar, Café Sydney, Watershed Hotel and Hemmesphere. Among their many highlights they also supported and played with the Buena Vista Social Club, Cassandra Wilson, Kristina Olsen, Lolo Lovina and Demis Roussos. Urban Gypsies have previously released two CD’s. Their fiery debut album Gypsy Fever (2000) received rave reviews, kick starting a huge wave of concerts and events. It also lead to their second more explorative album Sauvage (2003) with band member Simon Phillips. Following on from this, guitarist Gordon Tan joined the band to formulate their latest oeuvre Beautiful Catastrophe. The now re-formed group – compromising of Gavin Libotte and Dieter Kleemann- pack a powerhouse of improvisational skills and innovative compositions that explore instrumental Jazz / Latin guitar music with a unique and contemporary edge. If you haven’t yet experienced the sophisticated and imaginative offerings of the Urban Gypsies, now is your chance to be initiated!Guitarist and composer Gavin Libotte studied jazz at the Perth Conservatorium of music. He has worked closely with many noted contemporary musicians including Kristina Olsen, Yunyoo, Samantha Podeau, Joseph Tawadros, Paul Wright, and Melinda Jackson. Seasoned Jazz/ Rock guitarist Dieter Kleemann has worked with Glen Shorrock, Swing City Big Band, Bodacious Cowboys, Doug Parkinson, Bill Risby, Matt McMahon, Steve Hunter, Pete Northcote, Mike Mathieson, Mike Harvey, Jeff Duff & many more over his distinguished 30-year career. Victor Spiegel  - – Recording artist, pianist, instructor and composer Victor Spiegel creates harmonies and rhythms that come together to refresh and renew. A world traveler, Victor captures culture through a jazz lens, creating an improvisational journey of music, with bright moments of discovery when uncovering "the origins of music". Spiegel reflects this global approach to music with the sound of light and color ? he wants listeners to be able to see the music. In a novel approach to composition, he incorporates both a written and improvised format to the overall structure of almost every piece. This brings his compositions to the edge of the moment, and each performance and recording is unique to that time and place. Vimala Sarna  - Southern Indian classical dance for the connoisseurs of vibrant South Indian dance and music featuring Kuchipudi dance exponent Vimala Sarma, and a musical soiree with the contemplative and resonant tones of the veena, a South Indian fretted string instrument. Vince Jones   - Australia's leading jazz vocalist, and a remarkable interpreter and composer of songs in a contemporary jazz style. Vince also plays trumpet and over the years his style has developed a distinctive reserve and subtlety. Virna Sanzone   - Virna's instantly engaging vocals have been an integral part of projects that have seen her move across a diverse range of genres, including jazz, soul, world music and a cappella to name a few. Check out Virna's Interview and High 5 on our Artist of the Month page. Viva the band - perform a rich tapestry of music skill-fully blending a mixture of: jazz, swing, latin, gypsy jazz, blues, salsa, French, Spanish Songs, cabaret and classic show tunes. Gerri and Jose Santos are the featured vocalists and percussionists for the group. Other members include Peter Rappolt, leader (guitar), Marie Rappolt (bass and musette accordion), Morris David (jazz violin) and Griff Beale (vocal & drums). This line-up creates a 'Hot Club of France' style, reminiscent of a French nightclub swing band. Viva the band have become very popular at all their venues, delighting their audiences with their unique and varied styles of music. V8 - One of the most explosive and unusual groups to emerge on the scene over the last couple of years fronted by the inimitable Ben Savage on tenor saxophone. Two drums and two basses. Wanderlust  - Aria Award winning contemporary Jazz ensemble led by Mike Bukovsky who is one of our finest trumpet players. Brazilian, Latin and jazz elements have fused into a group sound so easily recognised live and on recordings. Bukovsky draws on the broad modern jazz tradition for inspiration along with a strong Central European folk element which provides a stately, mournful quality, almost like a European blues. Warwick Alder  - Graduated from the Sydney Conservatorium with honours in 1981. In late 1986 he toured Australia and the US with the Australian Jazz Orchestra. Earlier that year he joined Ten Part Invention and has remained a member for the following 18 years. He has recorded with James Morrison, the Bob Bertles Quintet and Andrew Speight. Quite possibly Australia's finest modern jazz trumpeter. An original inventive player who draws upon tradition with a lyrical and intense style. Wayne Robinson - Keyboard and vocalist whose professional performing career is as diverse as it is long. After moving to Melbourne in 1990, Wayne studied Piano with English born Concert Pianist Trevor Barnard, Tony Gould and Composition majoring in Serialism, Analysis and Counterpoint with Peter Myers and Peter Clinch, and Arranging with Peter Sullivan. He soon added Voice to the already full study regime. His interest in jazz was re-ignited in 1991 when he was invited to join a jazz / fusion ensemble "It's everywhere!" A 3-year stint as a member of an African Drum & Dance Ensemble later sparked a passion for polyrhythmic devices in his original works and in his Performance. Since then Wayne has held several leading positions as a music educator and founded the Northern Rivers Academy of Music in Regional Victoria. Wheelers & Dealers  - Sydney acoustic trio are part of the new generation of folk musicians putting soul, vitality and skill back into the people's music. From fiery gypsy fiddle to bluegrass and Irish, Christine Wheeler on vocals and woodwinds, Ged Corben on guitar and mandolin and Tony Pyrzakowski on fiddle, perform dynamic dance tunes, achingly beautiful slow airs, traditional songs, jazz standards and contemporary compositions including original material. Wild Cool & Swingin  - Led by trombonist Slide McBride. The name says it all. Wild Rice  - A melting pot of original Australian jazz influenced by New Orleans flavoured Jazz and Blues, with some Caribbean sounds and hot Cuban Rhythms thrown into the mix. Chris Ross leads the group with latin infused trumpet playing and vocals along with his conga rhythms that colour the band's infectious grooves. Alison Penny lends a soulful ‘southern' Blues foundation on piano and vocals. Anthony Howe drives the diverse grooves of the rhythm section on drums and vocals with a high exuberance. Finally Mervyn Sequeira earths the sound with the warm, ever-present tone of his Double Bass. Willow Nielson - Saxophonist who works with his own quartet, playing compositions based on the rhythms of the African Diaspora. Yuki Kumagai   - Born in Tokyo. Yuki sings around Sydney with various bands. She has her own quartet with guitarist David Smith, bassist John Mackie and drummer Laurie Bennett. Yuriy Yankovskiy  - – With strong influences of modern fusion jazz sounds including Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, Bobby Mcferrin, Al Jerrau, Miles Davis, Brecker Brothers, Yuriy does not sing jazz but craftily plays his voice in an unique inventive style and technique. Yuriy commenced his music and vocal career at the age of seven performing in the Children's Variety Shows in the Russian town of Solikamsk. Raised in a musician's family he was encouraged to study piano and variety singing from an early age in private school. In 1980, after completing Public School, Yuriy went on to study at the Odessa Pedagogue University in the Music faculty. Odessa is one of the Ukraine's largest musical centre where many of the countries most popular and famous musician's reside. After completing a four-year course, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Diploma covering the following subjects: Psychology and the Methodology of Teaching of Music and Singing, Aesthetics, Solfeggio, Music Harmony, Choir Conducting, Piano and Singing. Yuriy continued his studies with private lessons from the finest teachers of the Classical and Variety Voice and he learnt the technique of Jazz Improvisation from some of the country's best Jazz Musicians. With National Service being an obligation, Yuriy then joined the Red Army Choir for a period of 18 months, and he travelled around many parts of the former USSR and Afghanistan performing as lead vocalist. In 1989 he was accepted into the most popular and prestigious Music Academy in Russia "The Gnesin's Academy of Music", Moscow. Here he specialised in the techniques of Jazz, Variety and Classical Singing. Four years later he received a Masters Degree, majoring in the subjects of Musical Variety Art and Singing. Through Yuriy's performances at the many Jazz Festivals around the former USSR he has received a wide variety of accolades and prizes, including: "USSR Soloist of the Year 1989". He has subsequently appeared on National Television and he has had the privilege of working with some of the countries best Jazz Musicians. Since leaving the Music Academy, Yuriy has been performing on a number of International Cruise Ships. Performing as lead Cabaret Singer and Piano Lounge Vocalist, his programs include Classical Interpretations, Popular and Contemporary numbers, Jazz improvisations and Folk Music. Yuriy has won over audiences in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres with his variety packed shows, which have vast audience appeal. With carefully arranged music and songs, he performs using a remarkable range of three and a half octaves "His Voice is truly unique". Zenith Jazz & Blues Band  - a well known traditional jazz band who have made 11 overseas tours including venues in Europe, USA, Canada & India and have recorded 9 CD's. Zoe and the Buttercups  - Lead by bass player Zoe Hauptmann. This music finds itself where Jazz, country and folk musics meet. With influences ranging from Jerry Reed and Creedence Clearwater Revival to the Mahavishnu Orchestra this band creates a good time party vibe. Zoe Hauptmann - One of the leading bass players in Sydney today, Zoe plays with many bands, including Exposed Bone, King Curly and Elana Stone Quartet. She also leads her own group Zoe & the Buttercups and has released a successful CD. Zohar’s Nigun - This experimental Yiddish jazz outfit featuring Daniel Weltlinger presents a musical mix of Gypsy-swing, avant-garde jazz, and Jewish/Eastern European influences. Daniel Weltlinger is a rising star on the Australian and international music scene and is one of the founders of the award winning Monsieur Camembert. Daniel has developed his own style of world-jazz drawing on the myriad of musical influences surrounding him and tonight’s violin-led rhythmic improvisation will also feature keyboards, electronics and bass.