Leroy Jones
Wynton Marsalis remembers the days when both he and Leroy Jones were at school together at St Leo The Great in New Orleans where the latter’s passion for the music earned him the nickname of “Jazz”. Also at the school at this time was Terence Blanchard now one of today’s leading trumpet players. Even at school Marsalis was in awe of Jones’ trumpet prowess and power. “He could always swing and play with a lot of feeling,” Marsalis says. Today he still plays with fire and imagination - his sound is warm, big and very personal - as he honors the Crescent City’s rich heritage but at the same time expanding his own musical horizons. As a teenager Leroy befriended the boy piano prodigy Harry Connick Jnr and they have been friends and musical collaborators ever since. When he is not touring with Connick’s big band as featured soloist and a vocalist or involved in one of his own many projects Leroy is a valued and popular member of the festival circuit both in Europe and the United States. Whether taking a bow to the music of his home town or blowing straight ahead in a more modern idiom, as a soloist, arranger, composer and vocalist Leroy is a class act. We are proud to have him at Thredbo 2008.
Email: leroyjones@satchmo.com
CDs: www.satchmo.com/leroyjones/
Katja Toivola
Leroy Jones’ wife, the Finnish-born trombonist Katja Toivola, is no stranger to the Antipodes having already played in New Zealand but this will be her first visit to Australia. Like so many top jazz musicians, Katja is a veteran of international travel, especially these days as she divides her time between her two home towns, Helsinki and New Orleans. For the past 13 years she has been devoted to the sounds of New Orleans where she has been known to swing joyously on such fare as I Ain’t Gonna Give Nobody None Of My Jelly Roll or Basin Street Blues. She has played with the popular Finnish band the Riverside Rascals and leads two of her own, the New Orleans-Helsinki Connection and the Spirit of New Orleans. The blending of her trombone with her husband’s trumpet will; be a sound which will linger for a long time after Thredbo 2008.
Email:
CDs: www.myspace.com/katjatoivola
John Morrison
John Morrison has delighted audiences for more than 25 years with his humour and dedication to sounds that swing. John has spent much of his musical life playing and recording with his younger brother, world-renowned trumpeter, James Morrison. Together they have toured the world, performing at the North Sea Jazz Festival, Montreux Jazz Festival, Royal Albert Hall, Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club in London, and many more.
The driving force behind The Swing City Big Band, John, who was voted Australia's best big band drummer, led the band in a career highlight – performing at the opening of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000.
John can be heard swinging hard on many artist’s recordings, but it is his big band recording, “Serious Fun” that remains a perennial favourite with jazz lovers worldwide. In Australia, John is a well respected and highly sought after musician, recording artist, producer, jazz educator, and band leader.
As one of our most respected drummers and with few peers in the art of driving a big band, John Morrison is the logical choice to lead the Thredbo All Star Big Band, especially as his Swing City orchestra is a favourite with dancers.
Email: roy@swingcity.com.au
CDs: www.swingcity.com.au/johnbio.html
Bring along your dancing shoes!
Swing dancers have never has it so good. Three bands and three dances. On the Saturday night: the Thredbo All Star Big band under John Morrison alternating with Swing Wing led by Anthony Howe and on Sunday: dance to the music of the Swing Era with The Ozcats.
Anthony Howe
Having played with Leroy Jones in Europe, Anthony Howe is the obvious choice to take charge of the rhythm section behind the trumpeter and Finnish trombonist Katja Toivola. Steeped in the tradition, the drummer is a true student of the music’s history; his knowledge on display each time he leads his own band, Howler’s Cotton Club, one of the star acts at last year’s Wangaratta festival in Victoria. A favourite with dancers, Anthony will lead the Swing Wing combo at the first swing dance. However, expect some of the best drumming at Thredbo 2008 when he teams with Leroy and Katja.
Email: anthonyhowe@mac.com
CDs:
Errol Budlde
Errol Buddle is an Australian multi-instrumentalist - saxes, flutes, oboe, bassoon, etc. He has done thousands of sessions (movie soundtracks, TV shows, commercials) and is much in demand for jazz concerts and club dates. Errol has worked with Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr., Nelson Riddle, Henry Mancini, Toshiko Akyoshi, Nat King Cole, Australian Ballet, Sydney Symphony Orchestra in Australia. In his early days in the USA he played extensively in Detroit with Elvin Jones, Barry Harris, Tommy Flanagan, Major Holly and Pepper Adams and later with the Australian Jazz Quintet which toured the US for four years at all major jazz clubs. The group in it's early stages also backed Billie Holiday and Carmen McRae.
Email:
CDs:
Ali and The Money Makers
Kevin Jones was so impressed on hearing Alison Penney at Thredbo 2007 that after congratulating the organist - pianist on her performance he asked her if she would like to return in 2008 with a Kansas City-styled blues and swing group. It would be a tribute to those wonderful mid-1950s sessions produced by the late John Hammond for the Vanguard label. With a swinging rhythm section and four-horn front line - two brass and two reeds - she should be in her element. And she will also give us a touch of Basie. No Kansas City tribute would be complete without the Count.
Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond Kevin's control it was not possible to place her with the appropriate musicians for such a tribute. However, she
will again be entertaining Thredbo audiences with her pianistics and singing.
Email: bluesettemusic@bigpond.com.au
CDs: www.myspace.com/alisonpenney
Allan Browne
In 2007 Allan Browne brought his New Orleans band to Thredbo. And just to show the catholic taste of this drummer for all jazz genres, in 2008 he will bring a contemporary group to the festival. Arguably the finest all round jazz drummer Australia has produced, Browne is passionate about his music whether it's in the traditional style or on the outer rim of the cutting edge. In the 1960s he established and toured nationally and internationally with the legendary Red Onion Jazz Band and was member of one of the great piano trios with Paul Grabowsky and the late bassist Gary Costello.
Email: allanvincentbrowne@yahoo.com.au
CDs:
Ben Jones
Although only in his early 30s, saxophonist and vocalist Ben Jones is a veteran of both the national and European festivals and has played with some of the biggest names in Australian jazz. What makes him so unique is that Jones was inspired by the classic big sounding tenors of the 1930s and 1940s swing giants instead of such modern greats as John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Michael Brecker. It was same with the alto saxophone where Benny Carter remains a strong influence. His growing popularity and maturity as a swing-styled crooner has added to the popularity of his quartet.
Email: ben@benjonesjazz.com
CD’s: www.benjonesjazz.com
Bogalusa Strutters
A roving group with a four horn frontline. The funkiest, most exciting roving entertainment group is now here. Taking 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
Email: anthonyhowe@mac.com
CDs:
Catherine Hunter Band
Catherine Hunter is one of the most captivating voices and performers in Australian jazz today. Her musicality and strong vocal styling see her switch effortlessly between romantic ballads, bossa novas and swinging jazz standards. Catherine’s diverse career has taken her to jazz festivals around the country including the Norfolk Island’s Jazz on the Rock Festival, The Hunter Valley’s Jazz in the Vines, Manly Jazz Festival and Darwin’s Sunset Jazz. She has toured all over Australia and in Asia, having recently played an exclusive engagement at the prestigious Hong Kong Island Shangri-La Hotel to great acclaim.
Email: cj@catherinehunter.com.au
CDs: www.catherinehunter.com.au/listen.php
Darren Heinrich Organ Trio
The legacy of Hammond organ great Jimmy Smith is in good hands with Darren Heinrich whose soulful and swinging sounds have been heard in the United States, Japan and Singapore as well as his hometown of Sydney. Backed by guitarist Steve Brien and drummer Andrew Dickeson at Thredbo 2008, Heinrich will
continue building on the music of Smith and other American organ players such as Larry Young and John Patton. His own originals are influenced by Larry
Goldings. Described by the respected Mike Nock as "a thoughtful and tasteful soloist", Heinrich who also studied ar the Sydney Conservatorium with another pair of fine pianists Kevin Hunt and Judy Bailey, is a winner of the Jacek Chrostowski Award for jazz piano. But no matter what the groove, Heinrich can fill it.
Email: dazzjazz@dazzjazz.com
CDs:
Andrew Dickeson
Andrew Dickeson's email address is "swingishere", very appropriate as it describes the attitude of one of Australia's leading drummers and sical educators. Dickeson, who while in New York studied with the late and legendary Art Taylor (Miles Davis, John Coltrane and Bud Powell are just come of the greats he played with), was the only non-American in the 1991 Thelonius Monk Institute's international jazz drums competition. Dickeson has played with top jazz musicians, both overseas and in Australia. He is part of the organ trio at Thredbo with Darren Heinrich and guitarist Steve Brien. It will be a more modern concept of the styles of Jimmy Smith and John Patton but you can be sure of one thing - you will be able to tap your foot to the music.
Email: swingishere@hotmail.com
CDs: As above
Ian Cooper
Virtuoso is an apt discription for classically-trained violinist Ian Cooper who was inspired to play jazz after hearing and meeting the great Stephan Grappelli. Cooper has many genres to his bow whether it be playing duets with concert pianist Simon Tedeschi, as a member of James Morrison's entourage or Latin, gypsy swing and even country music. However, what he enjoys most is playing duets with his long-time friend and musical compatriot, guitarist Jim Pennell where at times the mood is mellow - the ultimate intimate jazz experience - and at other times exciting. Ian really knows how to swing.
Email: ICoop@iancooper.com
CDs: www.iancooper.com/shop.html
Jane Irving
Respect . . . it’s something that has to be earned especially among musicians. And Jane Irving who began singing and playing the piano professionally at the age of 17 has earned it as shown by the calibre of the musicians on her new album Beams. They included trumpeter Don Rader and pianist Matt McMahon. Captivated by sounds of vocal icons Sarah Vaughan, Carmen McRae, Anita O’Day, Betty Carter and Shirley Horn, a career as a singer was all that Irving wanted. Studying with Kerrie Bidell has helped Irving develop her spirited phrasing and ability to stylishly interpret a lyric.
Email: shulieabop@iinet.net.au
CDs: www.janeirving.com
Exposed Bone
This exciting quartet of well known Sydney musicians is acclaimed for its musicianship and dynamic approach to jazz standards and original material. Funky rhythms, hard straight-ahead and passionate blues feature in the band's quirky memorable repertoire. With trombonist-leader Jeremy Borthwick is a powerful rhythm team of Aaron Flower, guitar, Brendan Clarke, bass & James Hauptmann. Exposed Bone will inject much colour and energy into our 2008 program.
Email: Jeremyborthwick@hotmail.com
CDs: www.exposedbone.com
Trevor & Michael Griffin
Trevor Griffin, one of the most in demand musicians on the Sydney big band and studio scenes both as a soloist and lead alto player, at 15 was a member of the legendary Young North Side Big Band under the direction of John Speight in the mid 1970s. In 2006 he was featured soloist in the concert with top American singer Dianne Reeves and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra. His talented teenage son, alto saxophonist Michael (17), was a finalist in the James Morrison Generation of Jazz competition in the same year.
Email: trevorg@netspace.net.au
Jim Pennell
With a repertoire which includes "hot" swing and colourful Latin standards, guitarist Jim Pennell has been entertaining audiences for many years. A lyrical soloist, he is an authority on South American music. He plays regularly with his group Hip Pocket, whose mellow sounds are emphasised by the addition of a bass and vibraphone, and is a member of the triple ARIA award-winning world music group Monsieur Camembert. However, his greatest passion is the nylon-stringed Spanish guitar on which he is considered a virtuoso. But no matter what genre, this respected Sydney musician always has both feet in the groove.
Email: jpmusic@optusnet.com.au
CDs:
Julie O’Hara
Julie O'Hara seemed to come of age as a singer at the TAC Wangaratta Festival of Jazz in north-eastern Victoria a few years ago when, sounding so much like a younger version of her idol Anita O'Day, she proved one of the vocal stars at the four-day event. So it's not surprising that she would pay a musical tribute to Anita, the greatest of all the white jazz singers at Thredbo. The Melbourne vocalist, who loves the music of the 1930s and 1940s, has sung with both big and small bands and at swing dances. But just to show her versatility she is is a class act in other vocal styles - vocalese, bop, and country and western swing.
Email: info@julieohara.com
CDs: http://www.julieohara.com/news.cfm
Kevin Hunt Trio
Kevin Hunt is a popular and versatile jazz pianist. He has, over the last 16 years, shared the stage with international artists including: Herb Ellis, Billy Cobham, Sheila Jordon, and Larry Adler. He has also recorded and performed with most of Sydney's prominent jazz artists. He works with his own trio, the 'Kevin Hunt JS Bach Trio' and also tours extensively with Don Burrows. Kevin and Don conduct workshops and master classes for school and university students.
Email: kevininfo@pacific.net.au
CDs: http://members.ozemail.com.au/~kevsy/cds.htm
Kirrawee High Stage Band
The surprise package of Thredbo 2007 returns, this time with the brilliant 21-year-old Cuban percussionist Magdelys Savigne (correct spelling) from the Music Conservatorium of Havana and a lineup headed by its classy lead singers Belinda Robinson and Lucy Warner, both 18 and stars of the last Schools’ Spectacular. This year Kirrawee High became the first school band to appear at the Darling Harbour Latin Festival and although it has many Latin charts, it has a wide ranging book from the 1950’s Basie sound to the present day. Featured with the band in guest spots will be the popular violinist Ian Cooper and 17-year-old teenage alto prodigy Michael Griffin.
Email:
CDs:
Lionel Robinson
There is no better way to relax on the festival's final day (Sunday) than in the Cascades restaurant at the Alpine Hotel where pianist and singer Lionel Robinson holds court. In fact he has become so popular that "Sundays with Lionel in the Cascades" has become one of the festival's highlights. He draws his repertoire from the golden nuggets in the Great American Songbook and is a polished performer in a solo setting, backed by guitar and bass, and even with just Latin percussion. He has given new meaning to the term "Lounge music"
Email: lino@lionelrobinson.com
CDs: www.lionelrobinson.com
Matt McMahon
Matt McMahon is a Sydney based pianist and composer who was classically trained before he pursued an interest in jazz. He leads his own groups and works in collaboration with many of Australia’s most respected musicians. Matt also presents a jazz radio programme called ”Blow” every Friday on Eastside Radio, 89.7 FM. The show is dedicated to presenting jazz and improvised music and features discussions and interviews. Matt is also a committee member of the Jazz Co-ordination Association of NSW and is a founder member of the JazzGroove Association.
Email: mattmcmahon2001@hotmail.com
CDs: www.kimnara.com.au
Mike Price Trio
Great melodies from the classic standard repertoire augmented by contemporary jazz material and originals coupled with interaction and subtle swing will make the sound of guitarist Mike Price’s small group one of the most accessible at Thredbo 2008. All three artists are based at the Australian National University in Canberra where Mike is head of Jazz Studies. Each member of the trio has extensive national and international experience, especially in the United States. Former American bassist Eric Ajaye has played with Freddie Hubbard and Taj Mahal while drummer Colin Hoorweg has played with Nat Adderly and Herb Ellis. Impressive names in any CV.
Email:
CDs:
The Ozcats
Big Foot Jump, Slow Mood and March Of The Bob Cats . .. these numbers are synonymous with the fabled small unit within the Bob Crosby Orchestra of the 1930s and early 1940s. The Bob Cats' infectious swinging brand of jazz has stood the test of time, resulting in Sydney trumpeter Ron Falson, a longtime fan, forming this tribute band he calls the Ozcats. Its members, some of our best mainstream and traditional musicians, all with a penchant for jazz with a beat. Since its 2006 debut,it has proved popular at jazz festivals and, increasingly, among swing dancers.
Email: gill@pacific.net.au
CDs: www. birdland.com.au
Paul Dion
The legendary reed player, the late Frank Smith, was so impressed with a teenager's experise on the clarinet during a performance on Showcase in the mid-1960s that he took him under his wing. It was to lead to work both nationally and overseas for Paul Dion who has lived in East Jindabyne for the past five years. Although Dion can play all reed instruments, his great love is the tenor and Stan Getz his inspiration although he was later influenced by John Coltrane. And he has also sung opera! Dion will be featured with small groups and for the first time at the festival will lead an octet, made up of the best young musicians in the district between the ages of 12 and 18 in a program of jazz standards.
Email: enquiries@pauldion.com
CDs: www.pauldion.com
The Jazz Mechanics
The Mark Sutton Trio is now known as The Jazz Mechanics. Bio details are to come
Email: mvsutton@dodo.com.au
Maree Steinway Trio
If you enjoy the music and lyrics of George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Cole Porter, Rodgers and Hart, Antonio Carlos Jobim and post-60's re-workings of Bert Bacharach played by the classic style jazz trio this one's for you. Maree Steinway first led her own trio in her native New Zealand. Since coming to Australia she has worked as a solo performer and played and sung with a variety of bands including Latin, Gospel, Rhythm & Blues and Jazz. Maree is an accomplished arranger and her work is featured on recordings of popular vocalists such as Janet Seidel and David McLeod.
Email: maree.steinway@bigpond.com
CDs: www.mareesteinway.com
The Shuffle Club
Since exploding into the Melbourne music scene in 1999, The Shuffle Club has gathered the reputation as the most formidable swing band to be heard for some time. With energetic exuberance, this driving quartet has made an impression on all that have experienced their hot blend of swing, blues and jazz. Just returned from sell out shows in Edinburgh, Mexico and the Caribbean this immaculate band are back in town and ready to cook! Prepare to be laid out by the hottest blend of swing, blues, jazz and boogie
Email: swingin@theshuffleclub.com
CDs: http://theshuffleclub.com/contact.cfm
Peter Locke Trio
Peter Locke is one of the unsung treasures of the Sydney jazz scene, to coin an old phrase a musician’s musician. Whether with Brad Child’s big band or Bob Barnard, accompanying a singer or playing solo, he is an exemplary pianist noted for his innate sense of swing, lyrical touch and taste. At Thredbo 2008 he will be in the rhythm section of both The All Star Big Band under the direction of John Morrison and the Swing Wing led by Anthony Howe at the first two swing dances. Festival goers will get an even better chance to enjoy his pianistic skills during the Leonard Bernstein Tribute on the final day concert.
Email:
CDs:
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.
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