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Cam McAllister's High 5
Cam McAllister's High 5 Trumpet player/composer Cam McAllister has been a regular fixture on the Melbourne jazz scene since 1997. He studied at the…
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High 5
Trumpet player/composer Cam McAllister has been a regular fixture on the Melbourne jazz scene since 1997. He studied at the Victorian College of the Arts between 1995-97 and it was during this time that he developed a deep love for jazz and the trumpet and also when he first started to write his own music which he has continued to develop and strengthen over the years. Cam has performed with, among many others: Gordon Brisker Quintet (Sydney), Jeff Usher’s Jazz Unit (Brisbane), Jamie Oehlers, Ian Chaplin, Mark Fitzgibbon Quintet, Musiki-Oy, Joe Camilleri and the Jazzheads, the Bamboo’s, Melbourne Jazz Orchestra, Bennett’s Lane Big Band, Rumberos, Los Cabrones, as well as many rock and pop stars including: Alice Cooper, Roger Daltrey, Natalie Imbruglia, Jimmy Barnes and Peter Frampton. Cam also worked regularly on cruise ships between 2001-2005, traveling the world and backing entertainers including: John Cleese, Petula Clark, Ronnie Corbett, Glenn Shorrock, Ugly Dave Gray and Maria Venuti.
Cam formed his first band, the Cam McAllister Quintet, in 1998 which included Danny Fischer, Matt Clohesy, Colin Hopkins and Tim Wilson and they recorded an unreleased album at the ABC studios. The band has gone through some changes in the last 10 years but has settled, for many years, on the formidable line-up of Cam, Dave Rex, Mark Fitzgibbon, Tamara Murphy and Ben Vanderwal. In August 2007 they released their debut album called “Libran Balance”, again recorded at the ABC by Mal Stanley for ‘Jazztracks’ and it features nine original compositions of Cam’s as well as a guest appearance by Jordon Murray on trombone. Cam’s music is melodically very strong and it also displays a deep respect for form.
Since the start of 2005 Cam joined the Melbourne detachment of the Royal Australian Navy Band, using the many hours of provided practice time to hone his skills as a trumpet player, writer and arranger. Future projects for Cam would like to include assembling his own big band and record an album of original compositions and also a return trip to New York City where he spent a good deal of time in 2003, getting lessons off many jazz stars including Jim Rotondi and Walter Blanding.
1. LOUIS HAYES QUINTET - Iridium Jazz Club NYC 2003
Vincent Herring – alto, Jeremy Pelt – trumpet, Rick Germanson – Piano, Vincente Archer – Bass and Louis Hayes – drums. Ever since I started listening to Cannonball Adderley records, Louis Hayes has been one of my favourite drummers. I think he epitomises the 1960’s “Blue Note” sound so to see his Cannonball Tribute Quintet was a real thrill. The band was so swingin’ it was ridiculous and Louis was playing with the energy and fire of a much younger man but of course with the maturity and completeness of a man in his seventies. Vincent Herring has long been a favourite of mine too and he was particularly inspired that night.
2. KENNY KIRKLAND TRIO - Wangarratta Jazz Festival circa 1999
Kenny Kirkland has been my favourite piano player ever since I first became interested in jazz which was around 1992. I don’t think there has been a more swinging piano player in the last 20 years and his death a few years back came as a huge shock to me and I’m sure to the whole jazz world. This gig at Wang was the only time I ever saw him play and I remember he just got such a ‘big’ sound out of the piano. He was a genius who left this world far too early.
3. JOE ZAWINUL’S RHYTHM SYNDICATE - Continental Cafe circa 2001
This gig was a really special experience for me to see such a master musician leading an incredible band including Victor Bailey on bass. The level of groove that these guys created was truly amazing and by the end of the gig almost everyone was dancing! Possibly the most beautiful thing I’ve ever heard live was Victor Bailey singing and accompanying himself on ‘Continuum’, dedicated to Jaco Pastorius.
4. RICHARD SUSSMAN QUINTET feat TOM HARRELL - Sweet Rhythm NYC 2003
Tom Harrell – trumpet, Jerry Bergonzi - tenor, Richard Sussman - Piano, Mike Richmond - Bass, Jeff Williams – Drums.
In 1978 Richard Sussman released an album entitled “Free Fall” which has since become a bit of an underground classic. I was lucky enough in 2003 to see this exact quintet re-assembled playing some material from that album and newer compositions by the much underrated Richard Sussman. Tom Harrell has for a long time been one of my biggest inspirations both as a player and composer and it was a real treat to see his genius at work that night along with Jerry Bergonzi who was equally as brilliant.
5. MIKE NOCK QUINTET - Bennett’s Lane circa 2001
I feel very honoured to share the same birthday as Mike Nock as he has been a big influence on my music. This particular gig included Phil Slater on trumpet and I think it was Dave Goodwin on drums. Mike’s writing is so logical and yet so fascinating and he really has developed his own sound world over the many years he’s been involved in jazz. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to see him again soon.
