THREDBO YALUMBA JAZZ FESTIVAL 2006

‘Hittin the high notes this Thredbo Jazz Festival 2006’

The beauty of the Thredbo Jazz Festival is in the interaction between bands and musicians that occurs throughout the whole weekend giving the festival its unique energy.

  • Michelle Nicolle Quartet  [Vic]
  • George Washingmachine
  • Paul Furniss
  • Society Syncopators
  • Armondo Hurley & The Funk-O-Matics
  • Carol Ralph’s Blue Flames
  • Dan Barnett
  • The Moods
  • Eric Aje Trio
  • Shirley Smith’s Soul Explosion
  • Warwick Alder
  • John Harkins Trio
  • RAAF Big Band
  • Bogalusa Strutters
  • Paul Dion Quartet
  • Marty Mooney
  • The Wizard & Oz
  • Mike Price Trio
  • Kirrawee High Big Band
  • Psycho Zydeco
  • Exposed Bone
  • Canberra School of Music Commercial Ensemble
  • Adrian Cunningham
  • Wild Rice Jazz Band
  • Down South Quartet

2006 Thredbo YALUMBA Jazz Festival Performer Profiles

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. You'll see why! They present a varied program of jazz, blues and evergreen standards.

You are listening to Blues in G by the wizard and oz, download the complete track here or visit the Wizard and Oz website to purchase the complete CD

http://www.wizardandoz.com.au/

 

John Pochee 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 player, 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.

Society Syncopators

“The Syncopators”, universally known as “Society Syncopators” are back at Thredbo after an absence of five years to entertain and 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 will also 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).”

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, rhythm & blues, 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. The band is looking forward to their trip to Thredbo.

Armomdo Hurley & The Funk-O-Matics
Returning to Thredbo Jazz Festival after 2002’s successful participation Armondo Hurley is sure to win 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. Armondo will also feature in the Saturday Gospel concert at 5pm in the Community Centre. Armondo Hurley – vocals, Damon McMahon - keyboards, Andrew Mostyn – drums, Apakuki ‘Kuki’ Nayacakalou - guitar Ralph Marshall – bass, Lisa Collingham - vocals

The Bogalusa Strutters
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

Michelle Nicolle Quartet
Arranger, band leader and award-winning jazz vocalist Michelle Nicolle is rapidly becoming known as Australia’s finest jazz singer. She has just released her fifth CD called What Kind of Fool. Leading 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 women 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 has recently toured Holland, Singapore and Indonesia.

Darryl Aberhart Octet
Slinky grooves, soulful vocals and down home funky sounds- Daryl Aberhart Octet has all this and more.
The octet will be showcasing tunes from their new album ‘The cat within’, a c.d of the music of jazz guitar legend John Scofield, which Daryl has composed lyrics for, as well as throwing a few of their favourite funk and soul covers into the mix.
Fronted by accomplished vocalists Daryl Aberhart and Lily Dior, with a stellar cast of highly respected Sydney jazz musicians, this is one group you won’t want to miss at Thredbo 2006.
Nic Cecire- drums
Mark Harris- bass
Dave Longo- guitar
Gary Daley- keyboards
Richard Maegraith- saxophone
Jess Ciampa- percussion
Lily Dior- vocals
Daryl Aberhart- vocals

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. Don't miss Lionel's shows - guaranteed to make your day!
The ‘In Crowd” is great for dancing, dining or just listening. Back this year 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

Dan Barnett

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”.

Paul Furniss
Reed player Paul Furniss has a long highly regarded career in the Australian jazz scene. A classic jazz specialist who plays clarinet, soprano and alto saxes Paul has shared international jazz stages with some of the world's greats. His passionate hard swinging style will be heard in several settings including the House of Ullr 3.30pm Saturday in the Mike Price Trio and at Drakes 9pm with the George Washingmachine Trio. On Sunday he will be in the Kosci Room concert and in the TBar Restaurant from 7pm.

Paul Dion Quintet [ACT]
Focusing on contemporary sounds, hard bop and original compositions this group features Paul Dion (Keys/vocal, Sax, Flute, Clarinet), Neils Rosendahl (Sax, Flute, Electric Sax), Charlie Meadows (Guitar), Ben Braithwaite (Drums) and James Luke (Bass). The instrumentation allows a varied sound palette for high standard jazz from some exceptional musicians. Catch them Friday evening from 7pm in the Kosci Room and Saturday in the Lounge Bar from 3.30pm and at Credo from 8.30pm

The Mike Price Duo [ACT]
Guitarist Mike Price is head of jazz studies at Canberra's highly regarded ANU School of Music. First time at Thredbo Jazz he brings with him an international colleague also on the ANU jazz staff in bassist Eric Ajaye from California USA. The duo will play gigs Saturday and Sunday with guests Adrian Cunningham and Paul Furniss adding additional colour and fire.

Exposed Bone
This very new exciting quartet of well known ACT musicians was formed last year and launched at the Manly Jazz Festival where it 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 Hauptmann Exposed Bone will inject additional colour and energy into our 2005 program

George Washingmachine Trio

George Washingmachine swings & sings.
This year accompanied by David Blenkhorn on guitar & Jonathon Zwartz, on double bass, he looks forward to the great Thredbo atmosphere.
This will be David's last hurrah before departing for Europe. George will join David mid June for 2 months of touring France, Switzerland, Denmark & Scotland beckon.
www.georgewashingmachine.com.au

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 also attracted a devoted following at Australian Jazz Conventions, 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, Colin Beale and Steve Waddell's Creole Bells - Carol is widely considered one of Australia's finest Jazz vocalists.

 

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 'MIKE' BUKOVSKY - Trumpet & Flugal Horn
An outstanding Australian contemporary musician, composer and leader of the award winning septet Wanderlust which was on last year's Thredbo 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. Watch out for his appearances with other groups including the late night jam sessions in the Lounge Bar.

Shirley Smith’s Soul Explosion
Shirley Smith began her career in the music business in 1967 with her brother John and performed as the Same Day Twins and has enjoyed an extensive career in the music business working with many acclaimed artists such as "The Shadows", Billy Thorpe and Stevie Wright and 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" by the Western Australian Music Industry Association in 1993. Shirley will explode with her band at the festival in the various nightspots.

RAAF 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 mastering 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 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