Performer Profiles
Yalumba 19th Thredbo Jazz Festival Performer Profiles
‘Hittin the high notes this Thredbo Jazz Festival 2006’
Michelle Nicolle Quartet
Arranger, band leader and award-winning jazz vocalist Michelle Nicolle is widely regarded as Australia’s finest jazz singer. She leads her band with quiet dignity, Nicolle’s apparent ease at clever, difficult and varied improvisation, bring to mind the skills of singers like Betty Carter, Mel Torme or Ella Fitzgerald. But, this exceptionally talented woman sounds like none of these singers. What she does hold in common is being true to her artistic self, having an incredible ear as well as being a serious jazz musician and lyricist. Her clear tone and impressive breath control indicate hard work and dedication to her art form. She is the recipient of the Mo Award Jazz Vocalist of the Year for 2001, 2003 and 2004. She recently toured and performed in Holland, Singapore, Korea and Indonesia.
Darryl Aberhart Octet
Slinky grooves, soulful vocals and down home funky sounds - the Daryl Aberhart Octet has all this and more. The octet showcases tunes from its album ‘The cat within’, a CD of the music of jazz guitar legend John Scofield, for which Daryl composed lyrics, as well as throwing a few of their favourite funk and soul covers into the mix. Vocalists Daryl Aberhart and Lily Dior head up a stellar cast of Sydney jazz musicians. Both singers are well established on the Australian jazz scene – Lily’s rich sultry style came to notice with Jackie Orszaczky’s Godmothers in 1989 and Daryl, also a fine pianist, has participated in past Thredbo jazz events. Nic Cecire drums, Mark Harris bass, Dave Longo guitar, Gary Daley keyboards, Richard Maegraith saxophone, Jess Ciampa percussion Lily Dior and Daryl Aberhart - vocals.
 George Washingmachine
Feeling all strung out? Life in a spin? Well then let the dreamy music of George Washingmachine wash away the dust of everyday life. When it comes to knuckle-busting feats on a violin, George doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone – and George’s seductively smoochy vocals have made him one of Australia’s most sought after entertainers. George violin/vocal managed to procure Jim Pennell, guitar & Ben O'Loghlan, double bass to swing out seriously, playing a range of tunes from swing to latino, from the serious to the light hearted. George, Jim & Ben have known each other since late last century, but play music that is now. Secret weapon Jane Worthington also guested with this powerhouse trio. So, if you’re looking for a swinging experience, underpinned by a delightful sense of humour and superb musicality, then George is your man.
Carol Ralph’s Blue Flames
One of Australia’s most dynamic and charismatic jazz vocalists, backed by her impressive swinging combo The Blue Flames, Carol Ralph has appeared at jazz festivals all over Australia and toured internationally. She has a devoted following in the Australian Jazz Scene and is often the featured soloist at the popular Gospel services. Working with bands led, among others, by Roger Janes, Graeme Bell, Geoff Bull, Bob Barnard, Bob Henderson and Tom Baker Carol is widely regarded as one of Australia's finest Jazz vocalists. Carol – vocals/leader, Paul Furniss – reeds, Carolyn Packer – piano, Stan Valacos – bass, Anthony Howe – drums, Marty Mooney sax & clarinet
 Society Syncopators
“The Syncopators”, universally known as “Society Syncopators” were back at Thredbo after an absence of five years to delight jazz fans. Founded by Chris Ludowyk in 1984, the group has long been at the pinnacle of Australian traditional/mainstream jazz and is highly sought after on the European jazz festival circuit each year. Their penultimate CD was a finalist in the Bells Awards for Classic Jazz Album of the Year in 2004. The Syncopators’ Thredbo concerts reflect the diverse genres that influence the band. “The Syncopators” are: Chris Ludowyk (trom); Peter Gaudion (tpt & vocals)); Richard Miller (reeds); Jeff Arthur (gtr & bjo); Ben Johnston (pno); James Clark (bass & tuba); Andrew Swann (drums & vocals).”
Armondo Hurley & The Funk-O-Matics
Back at Thredbo Jazz Festival after a highly successful 2005 participation, Armondo Hurley won more fans with his dynamic singing and power-packed band The Funk-O-Matics. Armondo’s experience spans the whole range of show business but his specialty is the funky sounds of Soul and Blues. And of course Gospel music. Armondo Hurley – vocals, Damon McMahon - keyboards, Andrew Mostyn – drums, Apakuki ‘Kuki’ Nayacakalou - guitar Ralph Marshall – bass, vocals, Lisa Callingham - vocals
The Moods
The Moods Band is one of Sydney's most popular and long running jazz bands that plays many styles including swing, Latin, Cuban, R&B, cool, ska and gypsy music. The band comprises two great singers, a tight horn section and a driving rhythm section which, combined with a terrific selection of material ensures great listening for audiences.
 Shirley Smith’s Soul Explosion
Shirley Smith’s singing has taken her into varied areas of popular music. She is well respected in the music industry achieving many awards that include being inducted into The West Australian Rock 'n Roll Of Renown in recognition of "Outstanding Artistic Contribution to the State through Achievement in the Arts". In recent years Shirley has specialised in Blues music and surrounds herself with the best jazz and blues exponents. Shirley Smith vocals/leader, Warwick Alder trumpet, Adrian Cunningham saxes, Bill Twyman bass, Ron Lempke drums, Don Hopkins piano, Teiwi Richards guitar
John Harkins Trio
John Harkins, one of the most sought after jazz pianists in Australia, will be launched his self titled CD at this Thredbo festival It features John singing and playing on all 12 tracks. The album is a collection of well known standards and obscure gems, all arranged in the unique Harkins style. The incomparable bassist Jonathan Zwartz along with Australias top jazz drummer Andrew Dickeson make up the very swinging John Harkins Trio.
 Air Command Big Band
Big band jazz usually describes the swing and dance bands of the 1940s, with names like Count Basie, Duke Ellington, and Glen Miller. For the past two decades, the Air Command Band Big Band has dedicated a large part of its work to honouring that great swing tradition.
In recent years a new breed of young musicians, recruited for their jazz skills, has joined the ranks of this nineteen-piece Big Band. They bring with them a fresh and contemporary vision to explore and perfect the modern jazz big band repertoire, as well as the famous classics. The band has become one of the most dynamic big bands in the country, with burning be-bop, grooving funk, swinging blues and soulful ballads. Inspired by modern exponents of the big band style, such as Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Maria Schneider, Herbie Hancock and Bob Mintzer, the Air Command Band Big Band is daring to chart new territory in this country.
 The Bogalusa Strutters
The funkiest, most exciting roving entertainment group takes it to the streets, causing a stir, getting the crowd in, jiving, singing and doing whatever makes them feel good. It's five amazing Sydney horn players and an authentic rhythm section rarely seen in New Orleans itself. Chris Ross Trumpet Jeremy Borthwick Trombone Karl Laskowski Alto Sax Steve Fitz-Maurice Baritone Sax Sam Golding Sousaphone Anthony Howe Snare Drum Keith Toombs Bass Drum
 Paul Dion Quartet
Jindabyne-based, professional musician, Paul Dion and his quartet, take you on an exciting and foot tapping journey with interesting vocal and instrumental arrangements of jazz standards and original compositions. Paul Dion keys/vocals/reeds, Ken Vatcher drums, Steve Clarke guitar, Dave Crowden bass.
 The Wizard & Oz
The versatile duo of Dave McMillan (Oz) on guitar/vocals and Andrew Farrell (The Wizard) on keyboard is rapidly becoming a familiar inclusion in music festivals throughout Australia. They present a varied program of jazz, blues and evergreen standards.
The Mike Price Duo
Guitarist Mike Price, head of Jazz Studies at the Australian National University, teams up with bassist and Wangaratta jazz competition winner Brendan Clarke to form this exciting duo. Their repertoire of standards is shaded with contemporary styles and a shared love of the jazz tradition - augmented in 2006 with some of Australia’s best horn players.
Psycho Zydeco
2006 marked a new chapter in the history of Australia’s premier zydeco band. Since its formation in 1992, Psycho Zydeco has several albums, toured internationally, played at festivals big and small spreading the exciting zydeco sound. The band constantly creates new songs and tries new ideas within its zydeco style. With Chris Mawer on the electric bass, leader & accordionist Stefan is freed from his extraordinary role as the accordion/bass player in Psycho Zydeco and ushers in a change in the band’s sound. It is a change the boys are profoundly excited by as the door to new possibilities has opened.
Stefan Sernek: Vocals, Accordion, Bass.
Gregg Hatton: Vocals, Guitar, Washboard.
Christopher Wilson: Vocals, Saxophone, Washboard.
Gene Gill: Vocals, Drums. Chris Mawer: Bass.
 Exposed Bone
This exciting quartet of well known ACT musicians has received much acclaim for its musicianship and dynamic approach to jazz standards and original material from many musical genres. Funky rhythms, hard straight-ahead and passionate blues feature in the band's quirky memorable repertoire. With trombonist-leader Jeremy Borthwick and a powerful rhythm team of brothers and sister Ben, Zoe and James Hauptman.
Viva The Band
Viva the band has performed extensively throughout Australia and most of SE Asia, with recent performances at the Tainan International Chihsi Festival. The band provide an entertaining cabaret style performance with a repertoire of Jazz feature tunes, Latin, Salsa, “Hot Club” Jazz, French, Spanish songs and show tunes.
Canberra School of Music Commercial Ensemble (ACT)
The Ensemble is a concert performance ensemble. The material of the band is based on modern music ranging from classic jazz compositions to popular contemporary music (funk, latin, rock, pop etc…). Improvisational sections are always present in the arrangements. The music of artists that have been covered by the band include Wayne Shorter, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, Sting, Al Jarreau, Wes Montgomery, Weather Report, The Yellow Jackets, and many more.....
Members: Eric Ajaye-Leader/Bass, Michael Azzopardi-Piano/Keyboards, Daniel Hunter-Guitar, Ed Rodrigues-Drums, Sophie Leslie-Vocals, Jono Apps-Trumpet, Kayla Corlis-Trumpet, Valdis Thomann-Trombone, Rob Lee-Trombone, Michael Cleaver-Alto Sax, James Lefevre-Tenor Sax
 Kirrawee High Big Band
The Kirrawee High Stage Band was formed 14 years ago by their current musical director Antony Gullick. It is made up of young musicians between the ages of 13 and 18 and is one of five bands at Kirrawee High.
The band performs regularly at Jazz festivals and various community and corporate functions as well as with notable musicians such as Don Burrows, James Morrison, Tommy Emanuel and Ed Wilson. Kirrawee band has also toured extensively including international visits to South Africa and China and has the unique privilege of being the first school group to tour Cuba. The students play a lively mix of Jazz, Latin, Afro Cuban and Funk/Rock music that is augmented with some wonderful vocal and instrumental soloists.
Straight Up Trio
Featuring: Eric Ajaye/basses, Michael Azzopardi/keyboards and Chris Thwaite/drums and percussion serve up a diverse performance of original material ranging from subtle sensitivity to hard driving grooves. The material touches the genres of straight ahead jazz, funk, world music and beat, all heavily grounded in improvisation. Since its forming in early 2005 the trio has been enthusiastically received by audiences at regional jazz festival and concerts, at which they performed.
Paul Furniss Trio
Paul Furniss, “The Chief” as they call him, plays clarinets and saxes – joined in 2006 by fine guitarist John Blenkhorn and talented Stan Valacos who plays the double bass without an amplifier – that makes for real music. The band will be playing all the nice standards including anything from Bechet to Brubeck.
 John Pochée Trio
John Pochée began his career in Sydney in the mid 50’s and has led a colourful and diverse career over the last 50 years. He has performed all over the world with various bands and is a legendary figure in Australian jazz. As a drummer, John has developed a unique style that is immediately recognisable and solidly in the great jazz tradition but that is nevertheless warmly Australian. He has influenced the sound of Australian contemporary jazz by leading and playing in some of our most important groups including Ten Part Invention, The Last Straw, co-leading The Engine Room as well as playing in Bernie McGann’s Trio and Quartets.
 Lionel Robinson’s In Crowd
Lionel Robinson returns to Thredbo with his smooth voice, his piano-playing fingers, a happy band of musos and a brand new album entitled "Dear Moon". Lionel’s own blend of cocktail jazz, Latin lounge jazz with a distinct 60’s feel – a combination of originals and cool covers of classic jazz material. Lionel's shows are guaranteed to make your day! The ‘In Crowd” is great for dancing, dining or just listening. Back by popular demand.
VB Six Pack
The Victoria Barracks Sixpack (affectionately known as the 'VB Sixpack')
introduces the listener to bebop, post bop and funk from 'Blue Note' and beyond. With an accent on cool, the band enjoys improvising compositions from such greats as Bird & Miles as well as their own compositions.
Roving Special Guests
Marty Mooney – Saxophone and Clarinet
Jazz tenor saxman Marty Mooney has been a fixture of the Sydney jazz scene since the 60’s. A foundation member of Galapagos Duck, Marty was a regular performer in bands led by the late Tom Baker, Bob Barnard and Paul Furniss. For the past decade he had residences at major hotels and jazz clubs in Bangkok where he founded and ran the Bangkok Big band. He likes to play with old and new friends and likes to play it “sweet and hot”.
Adrian Cunningham - Saxophone
Adrian Cunningham is one of Australia's most outstanding young jazz talents. An accomplished multi-instrumentalist, he is known for his beautifully lyrical clarinet and passionate, soulful tenor sax. He is equally as adept on all saxes, flute and even piano. He is a full time member of Galapagos Duck and The Sydney All Star Big Band. "Outstanding young jazz talent" THE AUSTRALIAN
Miroslav Bukovsky - Trumpet & Flugelhorn
An outstanding Australian contemporary musician, composer and leader of the award winning septet Wanderlust at Thredbo’s 2005 Festival Mike Bukovsky has for several years been a key faculty member of the ANU School of Music in Canberra. Mike will be heard this year as a floating guest beginning with a Friday night gig in the House of Ullr in the Mike Price Trio. Also appearanced with other groups including the late night jam sessions in the Lounge Bar.
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