DARYL McKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA "RETURN JOURNEY"

The Daryl McKenzie Band started in the early 80’s as both a versatile function band and a band that could back world class artists. Over the years both the 8-piece and big band have been critically acclaimed for their superb musicianship and polished professionalism.During the 90’s Daryl McKenzie took over the role of Musical Director of the Nine Network’s “Hey Hey It’s Saturday” which saw the Hey Hey Band perform with international artists such as Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Barry Manilow, Bonnie Raitt, Trisha Yearwood, Roger Daltry and Randy Crawford; as well as Australian artists such as Tina Arena, Human Nature, Tommy Emmanuel, James Morrison, Rhonda Burchmore, Debra Byrne and Marcia Hines (to name a few!). A reunion series saw the Hey Hey band back in 2009. Other TV shows Daryl and the band were involved with included Australia’s Got Talent (series 1, 2007) and Dancing with the Stars (4 eps. 2005/6) and the AFI awards (2004). The band toured internationally to the USA and Malaysia and also performed to large concert audiences in Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Sydney, Gold Coast and Ayers Rock.The Daryl McKenzie Band has been in demand for corporate functions and major events including the Adelaide and Melbourne Grand Prix (Billy Thorpe, Tommy Emmanuel, Jack Jones), the VAC Federation Australia Day concert, the Sounds of Christmas for the Salvation Army (Thelma Houston), the reopening of the Adelaide Casino, the Myer Melbourne relaunch (Guy Sebastian), VAC New Years Eve and Morning Melodies, Lindsay Fox’s 75th birthday (50 piece orchestra), Carlton FC's 15th night (Vicka & Linda, Daryl Braithwaite, Anthony Callea), Anthony Warlow & Faith Prince (Hamer Hall 34 piece orchestra) and was featured at the North Queensland Jazz Festival in Mackay, Jazz in the Vineyards at the Morning Star Estate and the Castlemaine State Festival. The big band has also featured on the soundtracks of several movies such as “Bran Nue Dae”, “Death Defying Acts”, “The Wogboy”, “Two Hands”, “Love and Other Catastrophes”and “Bootmen”. As the 18 piece Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra, the DMJO have recorded three critically acclaimed CD’s and appears monthly at the Apartment Bar and Restaurant performing with singers including Darren Percival, Wilbur Wilde, Rhonda Burchmore, Nina Ferro, Nichaud Fitzgibbon and Matt Hetherington.For occassions where a smaller band is more suitable, the Daryl McKenzie Band is available as a 14 piece band (still a big band sound), an 8 or 10 piece (a great function band with a horn section), and a 5 piece band (great for smaller weddings). All the bands feature top class singers.Both the big and small bands perform a wide range of material to suit all tastes. Our extensive repertoire ranges from the classic songs of the big band era through the 50’s, 60’s, 70’s disco hits and right up to the latest in great current dance music. We can tailor our repertoire to suit a themed function and can provide anything from an instrumental jazz trio to a symphony orchestra.Pricing for events are quoted individually depending on the customer’s needs. Example song lists are available for perusal. DARYL McKENZIE JAZZ ORCHESTRA
 

GUSTO THE BODY SNATCHER "NICE TO SEE YOU"

Debut release from hard hitting jazz quartet Gusto the Bodysnatcher. Gusto draws influence from Australian artists such as Andrea Keller and Scott Tinkler, with a hint of the 'new-hip jazz' of american Christian Scott, and Swedish trio EST. It is through composed improvised music, with the composed sections creating the context for the improvisation that all members simultaneously contribute to. 2013 saw Gusto play throughout Melbourne at a variety of venues, from Bennett's Lane to the Arts Centre, with the odd stop off at a pub venue along the way. This EP was recorded in September and is a snapshot of the path they have placed themselves on. Funding from this EP will be going towards recording a full length album in mid 2014 that will provide a stepping stone for the group to tour the country with.
 

THE MONDLARKS "HIGHWAY LIGHTS"

Il sorprendente Trio dei Mondlarks Hammond esegue una selezione diversificata di musica, che và dal Liscio, Soul e Jazz, Latin e Pop contemporaneo, suonate con una magnifica e gran strumentazione, che possono produrre solo con un Hammond B3. Sono gli esecutori regolari presso Rippon Lea, una tenuta a Melbourne, ed eseguono concerti in vari festival di varietà in tutta l'Australia. Fà da spicco Brigid Mckinnon, cresciuta ascoltando ed eseguendo musica folk, per questo è una buona e abile cantante nonchè chitarrista. Molto recentemente ha comunque assunto i nuovi generi del Jazz e Latino, e ha trovato che la sua voce è in perfetto equilibrio per l' organo Hammond B3. Il suono di B3 risale ai primi anni cinquanta, ed era una caratteristica regolare interpretata dai primi musicisti di Jazz dell'epoca. Jimmy Smith è stato uno dei primi virtuosi dell'Hammond, ed è stato di grande influenza per tutti i suonatori di Hammond.  Essi sono anche gli esecutori regolari intorno a North Queensland, presso la maggior parte delle località turistiche più popolari, come Dolphin Resort teste, Satchmos presso il Reef, Mackay, in Airley spiaggia di Banjo e Hamilton Island. I Mondlarks sono uno dei più affermati Trio musicale dell'Australia.  THE MONDLARKS