Jackson Jackson

Heading up Saturday Night is Australia’s own, JACKSON JACKSON, the brain child of Harry James Angus (trumpet/vocals in The Cat Empire) and renowned Producer Jan Skubiszewski Producer; Phrase, & Composer; Two Hands (APRA award winner), The Rage In Placid Lake, Last Man Standing), together responsible for the ARIA Nominated ‘The Fire is On The Bird’.  The band features the rhythm section from The Cat Empire, a choir of white-robed winged angels, a mountain of synthesizers, and an acoustic guitar. They have their second album set for release (on Virgin/EMI) in Sept/Oct this year. Keep your ears tuned for their new single in the coming months!

view website | listen to tracks on myspace

Los Delincuente All-Stars

"Los Delincuente All-Stars" are the toughest, most exciting Afro-Cuban/Soul band in Australia. Playing repertoire that ranges from hard hitting breaks, to burning latin grooves, this band is fast becoming a force on dance floors all over. Led by writer and trumpet player, Ross Irwin, The All-Stars are made up of musicians from some of the best Latin, Jazz, Ska and Soul Bands in the country. A rhythm section blended with players from The Cat Empire, The Bamboos and San Lazaro creates a unique, powerful, soulful sound. While a horn section made up of players from The Bamboos, The Empire Horns and Vada, creates one of the most raw and dynamic horn sections in the world. This exciting new ensemble is not to be missed!

Watussi

The unmistakeable distorted riffs and funked-up percussive rhythms of Watussi (pronounced “WAH–too–SEE”, translated from the Cuban slang “the most handsome man at the party”) signifies one of the most dynamic and unique groups to come out of the multicultural broth of Sydney’s Bondi beach.

Lead by Colombian born Oscar Jimenez with a sound that has been variously described as ‘Afro-Colombian rock and roots’ and ‘Rage Against The Machine with horns’, it wasn't long after the first few gigs as a fully formed eight piece that their wild live shows, powerful original compositions and ability to destroy genres saw them gain a huge following with an ever widening and diverse fan-base.

International supports, tours and Australia wide exposure through TV and radio performances has led to critical acclaim of the debut album “Tequila, Sangre y Fuego”. Released nationally in October 2007 through Knowfoowl/Inertia, it has featured regularly on Triple J’s ‘Roots n All’, ABC Rational National (Album of the Week Dec 07), SBS, Radio Adelaide, PBS Melbourne and Sydney’s FBI Radio.

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The Bondi Cigars (NSW)

One of the hardest working Blues bands since 1989, ARIA award-winning blues outfit THE BONDI CIGARS give us two exclusive shows. Led by Shane Pacey, The Bondi Cigars first came together as an informal 'jam band' while its component members, Shane Pacey and Alan Britton, established early in 1990 with the band releasing its debut, self-titled, album on the ABC label released that same year. 'Bad Weather Blues' (Larrikin) followed in 1993 receiving widespread critical acclaim for its originality. With relentless touring over the past 14 years has earned the BONDI CIGARS a reputation as one of the best live acts in Australia.

Appearing at Noosa North Shore Blues, Saturday 7:30pm and Sunday 5:30pm.

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The Bamboos (VIC)

Bamboos featuring Kylie Auldist

We experienced them last year and we just had to have them back, we’re extremely happy to announce that the THE BAMBOOS have decided to join us again in 2008. After their performance in 2007, The Bamboos have clearly made us aware that they’re Australia's premier Deep Funk outfit. They simply are THE masters of super-heavy, raw and upfront drum-break driven grooves. Led by Guitarist Lance Ferguson (Equatorial Records/Lanu/No Comply), other members include Ben Grayson (Hammond Organ), Danny Farrugia (Drums), Yuri Pavlinov (Bass), Anton Delecca (Sax/Flute) and Ross Irwin (Trumpet).

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The Sweet Lowdowns (VIC)
gypsy swing

Perhaps imagine Lester Young, and Billie Holiday traveling to Paris and jamming with a stripped down hot club-style rhythm section. Or Mildred Bailey sitting in with Edmond Hall; Charlie Christian on acoustic guitar. This may give an idea of the influences, but the music is truly the result of the harmonious balance of the personalities that comprise it.
The band's name refers to the Gershwin tune and the Woody Allen film of the same name, "Sweet and Lowdown".
The line-up; Sandra Talty (vocals, drums), Michael McQuaid (reeds), Liam O'Connell (guitar) and Richard Mander (string bass).

Winners of the 2008 Australian Jazz Bell Award for the Best Australian Classic Jazz Album with their most recent CD “Cuttin' Capers”

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Wildrice (NSW)
contemporay/latin

A melting pot of New Orleans music from Rhythm & Blues, Jazz & Caribbean styles with some Latin for spice and a touch of Funk. Diverse, intensely energetic and magically entertaining.

Chris Ross leads the group with hot trumpet playing and vocals along with his conga rhythms that colour the band's infectious grooves. Alison Penny lends a soulful Blues foundation on piano and vocals. Anthony Howe drives the rhythm section on drums and vocals with a high exuberance. Finally Mervyn Sequeira earths the sound with the warm, ever-present tone of his Double Bass. A Trombone and Sax/Clarinet are added when the full New Orleans front line sound is needed. Wildrice invites you to the party!

Jazz Factory (QLD)
traditional

The Jazz Factory draws its inspiration from an earlier era of love songs, rip roaring jazz and great fun times. If you like Louis Armstrong, Irving Berlin and Duke Ellington, you will love this band! Three of the band members sing so you won't, go short of some great vocals. One of the great delights of this band is the clean sound and harmonic balance achieved by the musician's compatibility, no doubt partially as a result of the many gigs played together.

Ian Denovan: Trumpet, cornet, vocal
John Murray: Trombone, vocal
Peter Strokhorb: Clarinet and baby soprano sax
Greg Garrett: Banjo, vocal
Richard Stevens: Sousaphone and leader

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The Syncopators (VIC)
traditional/mainstream

Formed in 1984 by ex-leader of New Harlem, Chris Ludowyk hand picked the cream of Melbourne's jazz talent to form the “Society Syncopators”, now known as “The Syncopators”. With their versatility they cover a wide range of styles and material.

By excelling at the music they love and loving the music they excel at, they are recognized as one of the leading jazz groups in Australia by critics and jazz fans alike. Arguably they are regarded as the leaders in their field in the world. This, plus their stage presence and sense of humor invariably draw standing ovations worldwide.

Chris Ludowyk - Trombone/Vocals
Peter Gaudion - Trumpet/Vocals
Richard Miller - Clarinet/Sax/Vocals
Jeff Arthur - Guitar/Banjo
James Clark - Double Bass/Tuba
Andrew Swann - Drums/Vocals
Ron Hayden - Drums
Steven Grant - Piano

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Yvette Johansson & Joe Ruberto Trio
bossa-nova

Young vocalist Yvette Johansson, inspired by Barbara Streisand, Aretha Franklin and Ella Fitzgerald, is Melbourne's most exciting and versatile young performer.

Yvette has been wowing local and international audiences with her dynamic style and vocal excellence for many years. Yvette's career highlights include meeting and singing with Al Jarreau and performing with Lou Soloff (principle trumpet with Barbara Streisand Orchestra) at the Bennett’s Lane ‘Jazz Lab'.


Yvette Johansson - vocals
Joe Ruberto - piano
Michael Tortoni - bass
Anthony Baker – drums

LIMITED PERFORMANCES

Jan Preston (Sydney)
Boogie Woogie/Blues

Jan Preston is one of Australia’s leading female film composers and as a performer is known as ‘the Queen of Boogie Woogie piano’. Her stunning ability as a boogie, honky tonk and ragtime piano player, is matched by a richly resonant voice and a joyful and communicative stage personality. 

Jan has won 3 industry awards for her film scores - the Listener NZ film and TV awards for the feature Illustrious Energy, AGSC Best Music In A Documentary for An Imaginary Life, and the Asian Film Festival best Music award for the feature Pictures.
“…in a world which is, at times, very sad, there is nothing so joyful and uplifting as the boogie woogie piano beat.”
LIMITED PERFORMANCES

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Matt Baker Trio –(Sydney)
modern

"Many things in life inspire different emotions within us; love, sadness, happiness, admiration, sorrow, and more. Music to me now is an expression of emotion; a portrait, in the form of melody, harmony and rhythm.”
An in-demand pianist as well as leading his own trio, Matt Baker has been performing nationally and internationally for the last several years.  Matt has toured Australia extensively with trumpet virtuoso James Morrison. He has played for Wynton Marsalis and Harry Connick Jnr., and has also been the support act for Jazz legends Tony Bennett and Al Jarreau.
Matt Baker - piano
Alex Boneham - bass
Cameron Reid – drums

Guest performers
Nic Jefferies – reed
Carina Thomson - vocal

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Ingrid James Quintet (NSW)
swing/ latin

"Ingrid James floats and swings effortlessly through the changes with a tone of honey... As well as great technique, there's an engaging warmth to her delivery like a close friend smiling at you."

"Thoughtful, inventive and, above all, swinging, Ingrid squeezes every line for nuance and meaning. The impeccable phrasing and accurate intonation come almost as a bonus".
These quotes leave no doubt about the popularity of the Australian Jazz singer whose infectious humour and delightful interpretations of jazz classics made her a Noosa Festival favourite for many years now.

Ingrid has been the recipient of 2 Queensland Music Industry Awards for both albums "Just Visiting" & "Lazy Afternoon" (Sunnie Awards for Best Jazz CD in Queensland).

Ingrid James – vocal
John Reeves –piano
Andrew Shaw-bass
John McDermott – drums
Graeme Norris – reed
Dan Quigley - trumpet

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Miguel – (Qld)
Latin/Funk/Soul

Since their inception a mere 12 months ago, Miguel have earned a reputation as party starters, with their swingin’,smoking, booty shakin, soul shaken, soul quakin’ mix of big band sensibility. With a wall-o-sound brass arrangements and relentless rhythm section igniting the dance floor, this band is sure to knock your socks off! 

Having built up a solid following, Miguel opened at the Woodford Folk Festival and have not looked back.  This group combines funk, soul and a love affair with Latin to transport you into a fusion of hot club jazz with a twist of youth and a dash of nostalgia.

Fronted by charismatic trumpet player and vocalist Michael Rogers (also of Doch), Miguel features a stellar line-up of pedigree musicians.

Tom Raymond – clarinet
Mikael Strand – trombone
Ben Carr – Saxophone
Joe Roberts – Saxophone
Dave Spicer – Piano
Georgia Weber – Bass
Sacha Kloostra – drums

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Jeff Duff & Ed Wilson Big Band (Syd)
Swing/Big Band

The result is all class with the pairing of the innovative and unique Jeff Duff, with the dynamic arrangements of big band legend Ed Wilson.

With songs ranging from international classics such as Try a Little Tenderness, What a Wonderful World and Georgia on My Mind to the Australian pop hits of Air Supply, John Paul Young and Men at Work, Jeff and Ed combine to present one of the most spectacular shows of recent times.

The big band features some of Sydney’s hottest jazz musicians including pianist Tim Jenkins, bassist Kevin Hailey, drummer Andy Davies, trumpeter Danny May with the 10 piece Cat Scratch horn section and the legendary Ed Wilson on trombone.
 “... the arrangements are sensational and Duff is in fine form, his warm brown baritone as powerful as ever. This collaboration between Jeff and Ed Wilson really is something of a perfect match... ”
Simply too good to be missed!

LIMITED PERFORMANCES

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Traditional Jazz – (various artists)

The Tradition continues…

If you love jazz, dixi, swing and all things traditional, then the BENDIGO BANK TRAD ROOM is the place for you!

There will be some unique, never to be repeated performances from the cream of the festival.  Once again the music directors will challenge these iconic musicians to blend their talents in a bevy of spontaneous ‘true jazz’…  The BENDIGO BANK TRAD ROOM will be filled with expectation and excitement, as most of the time we won’t know what will come next!! 

This room is not for the feint hearted and expectations will surely be satisfied.  This is where the grass roots of the festival will firmly be planted and the music that will bellow from its doors will be nothing but spectacular. 

There will be over 150 individual musicians programmed to perform within this arena over the 3 days and there will be plenty of ‘jamming’ and ‘sit ins’ happening, so you will never know what is ‘afoot’!!!

Do not miss out …..

Bob Barnard’s plus 4 & more
Geoff Bull’s Olympia Band
Tribute To Benny Goodman
Geoff Power’s – Powerhouse of Trad
Carol Ralph’s New Orleans Crew
Earth Quake Jazz
Motown Jazz– featuring Gil Askey
The New Whispering Orchestra…and more!

Bob Barnard – Various Line ups(Sydney)

Bob Barnard's playing is notable for his big, rich sound and the consummate ease of his flowing solo lines. Although his name was made, and his fame spread, through his forceful playing in the traditional jazz style this is by no means the extent of his huge talent.
Bob's style has been compared to the likes of Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett and Billy Butterfield, but many say that comparisons are perhaps not so appropriate... unique is the word!  Bob has recorded with some of the world's best musicians, received the Order of Australia and won two MO awards. 
Bob will be programmed with the cream of Australian Jazz talent throughout the 3 day festival and will lead each group into a truly spontaneous mix of all jazz genres…

Carol Ralph’s Blue Rhythm (NSW)
Blues/Gospel/Mainstream

Since 1988, 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.  Noosa will see Carol step in front of a stella rhythm section that is sure to blow your mind.  Their repertoire will move from soft ballads to raunchy rhythm and blues as Carol belts out many coveted tunes.

Carol Ralph – vocals
Col Nolan – piano
Jack Thorncraft – bass
Laurie Bennett – drums
Brett Iggulden - reed

George Washingmachine – Various Line-ups(NSW)

George Washingmachine, swinging and eccentric singer as well as dazzling violin player, accomplished actor and unabashed showman. Singing and fiddling aside, George is a multi-instrumentalist - proficient on double bass, guitar or anything with strings!
Leader of the self-dubbed jazz community 'Bonzer Vista Social Club' which includes some of the biggest names in the Australian jazz world; Grahame Bell, Don Burrows, James Morrison, Bob Barnard, Ian Date and  Monica Trapaga.
George has toured the world performing at the Athens Olympics, France, Holland, Martin Taylor's Guitar Festival and Edinburgh Jazz Festival in Scotland, Germany, Sweden, Finland, playing with Les Paul in New York and continues to appear at all the major jazz and arts festivals in Australia.

George can been seen performing as he does best, “spontaneously”…. Check the program for details

LIMITED PERFORMANCES

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Acoustic Brew (NSW)
Blues/jazz

Formed in 2002 this wildly different duo has been captivating audiences in northern NSW for the last 6 years.

Wallace Carslaw: began his career in Scotland as a classical guitar player, then became involved in the Jazz & Rock scene. Relocated to Northern Rivers in ’01 where he met up with Tim.

Tim Keogh: has played professionally for 25 years and represented Australia in a hand-picked ensemble at Expo ’88 for 6 months.

Together this duo is sure to amaze you with their uncanny sense of ‘rhythm’…and ‘blues’.. and will leave you wanting more..  The instrumental combination is unique in itself and promises to have you mesmerized…

Accoustic Brew have performed at many festivals and delighted audiences with their ‘quirky’ music style.  This duo will ignite your imagination and have you unconsciously tapping your feet to their infectious fusion of jazz and blues.

Allfrey St Quartet (Melbourne)
New Orleans Gospel/Blues/Creole

The philosophy guiding Allfrey Street was to use an old style drum kit, with a strong left handed piano style as the core rhythmic approach to the material chosen for the album. 

Allfrey St Quartet will transport you back to the 1920’s and New Orelans, whilst the originals pay homage to the stylistic variation that make Jazz, past and present, and ever-evolving art form.

Elements of gospel, blues and New Orleans/Creole flavours are embraced as if new again, yet their traditional forms basically remain intact.

US born (original Mowtown member) Gil Askey will complete this amazing quartet of polished musicians and Noosa is lucky to be able to witness this quartet in the making.
Allfrey St Quartet will only be performing twice during the festival, so study the program and ensure you don’t miss out..

Allan Browne – drums
Margie Lou Dyer – vocal/piano
Gil Askey – trumpet
Andy Ross – bass

Ben Eaton Trio (Brisbane)
Funk/Blues

Funk, folk and world music with jazz flavours has seen the Ben Eaton Trio perform in fewstivals such as Woodford folk Festival, Noosa Jazz Festival as well as many of Brisbane music scene.  Centred around his virtuosic guitar skills, powerful smooth vocals, and an ability to write both conventional as well as unusual songs this group brings an enticing and dynamic energy to every live performance.  

Anita Spring Quartet (NSW)
Swing/mainstream

Like her cabaret performer parents before her, Anita Spring’s passion for music has taken her around the country and the globe doing what she says is the only thing she was ever good at, singing.

“As a kid I was strongly influenced by my mother towards mainstream jazz. These days my repertoire includes popular jazz standards such as 'Under my Skin' and 'The Nearness of You' alongside some tunes less recognizable like 'Dancing in Dark'. Without a doubt I am unbiased, I love singing them all!"

Anita’s performances are limited, so make sure you do not miss seeing this amazing diva in song….

Anita Spring – vocal
Chris Perry – bass
Duncan Archibald – drums
Shane Cranney - guitar

LIMTIED PERFORMANCES

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Col Nolan

Col Nolan is arguably one of Australia's hardest swinging jazz pianists.  His career spans over 40 years and he has been billed with such international artists as Benny Goodman, Dave Brubeck, Dizzie Gillespie, Carmen Macrae and Les McCann. Now with the resurgence of the Hammond organ, Col is in great demand and is again enjoying a new breed of jazz junkies.

John Adams

Stephen Grant

Jo Bloomfield

Bob Malone

Dave Spicer

Col Nolan

Joe Ruberto

Steve Sedergreen

John Reeves

Gary Walford

Allan Browne

Drummer Allan Browne has been leading bands since 1960 (The Red Onions amongs others), and was a member of the Paul Grabowsky Trio for 20 years. Remarkable ability to cross between jazz genres seamlessly.

Bob Barnard

Bob's style has been compared to the likes of Louis Armstrong, Bobby Hackett and Billy Butterfield, but many say that comparisons are perhaps not so appropriate... unique is the word!  Bob has recorded with some of the world's best musicians,received the Order of Australia and won two MO awards.  What he hasn't played is not worth playing.

James Morrison

He blows a trumpet for a living, and what a living!  He is a true multi-instrumentalist, composer, He performed the opening fanfare at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, and is usually regarded as one of Australia's finest jazz musicians.  James sponsors yearly scholarships for young musicians, and is actively involved with several youth bands.

Geoff Bull

Arguably the best New Orleans Style Jazz trumpeter produced in Australia, Geoff Bull has sought and received his recognition on the world stage. A descendant of Norwegian genius, violinist Ole Bull, who toured the world in the mid 19th century and played with Liszt & Greig, Geoff brings some of that genius to the trumpet.

George Washingmachine

Singing and fiddling aside, George is a multi-instrumentalist - proficient on double bass, guitar or anything with strings!

Jeff Duff

Sydney's answer to David Bowie or Iggy Pop, Jeff Duff is one of Australia's most enigmatic, controversial and enduring performers. His current project; self-devised show 'Ground Control to Frank Sinatra', is a theatrical extravaganza, transforming the repertoires of Frank Sinatra & David Bowie into one another’s styles.  You’ve got to see it to believe it…!

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Carol Ralph

Carol is considered by many musicians and fans to be a fine traditional singer of blues and gospel tunes & equally at home in more mainstream settings. In great demand at festivals throughout Australia, she usually performs as a featured singer, with her love of life, people and singing adding to her great stage presence.

Yvette Johansson

Ingrid James

Catherine Lambert

Anita Spring

Carina Thomson

Margie Lou Dyer

Rebecca Barnard

Margot Barrett