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| NHM NEWSLETTER – SEPTEMBER 2009 |
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And all that Jazz!
Part II
This month’s newsletter features our wonderful local male jazz talent and what a talent they are! From the swingin’ style of Dan Barnett through to the funky tunes of Emile Nelson, there is something for everyone and for all sorts of events. We have also included information on Trio Grande who are a fabulous vocal harmony group perfect for outdoor festivals, trade exhibitions and large scale cocktail events
Our Life as a Performer spotlight is on Dan Barnett this month. He talks about what he has been up to overseas, his latest album and what is ahead.
Enjoy!
Bethanie & the NHM Team
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| Jazz at its finest! |
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Dan Barnett Big Band
Dan Barnett is acknowledged as one of Australia’s most accomplished and professional performers. His powerful voice and swinging trombone, form the backbone of the Dan Barnett Big Band. Equally comfortable at formal and informal occasions, the Dan Barnett Big Band will add style and flair to any function. Importantly, Dan’s charismatic presence will leave a lasting, positive impression on your valued guests.
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George Washingmachine
George Washingmachine puts the entertainment on spin cycle with their up-beat swing style, and extensive range of toe-tappin songs
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Rick Robertson Band
The Rick Robertson Band plays music that is sophisticated, easy to listen to, groove to and dance to. The Rick Robertson Band has performed at a wide variety of events ranging from art gallery openings and book launches to funky parties and weddings.
Rick has a wide range of musical experience and knowledge to impart. After gaining an Associate Diploma in Jazz Studies at the Sydney Conservatorium Rick went on to record and tour for 10 years with the internationally successful and award winning band DIG. He sings a fine repertoire of jazz standards and currently plays at many different venues in Sydney with his jazz band the Rick Robertson Band. The band provides a wide range of jazz flavoured tunes from the likes of Cole Porter and Herbie Hancock to funky tunes from James Brown and Marvin Gaye.
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Emile Nelson
This wonderful group combines the talents of Emile Nelson and some of Sydney’s best, covering a wide selection of jazz, groove and funk. The consistently high standard of musicianship and professionalism, along with their extensive repertoire, fun attitude and sensitivity to the client’s special needs, ensures great entertainment for every occasion.
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Taylor Made Jazz
Taylor Made Jazz perform a variety of material from the Jazz and Latin American repertoire. A blend of traditional and more contemporary jazz standards combined with popular ballads and classic Brazilian Bossa-Novas form the basis of the group’s performance.
The musicians in Taylor Made Jazz are some of Australia’s leading instrumentalists and also perform regularly with many other high profile national and international musicians and entertainers.
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| Roving jazz |
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Trio Grande
This fabulous trio features three of Sydney's finest musicians in an acoustic setting. The group plays a happy mix of favorites from the 20s to the 70s. This totally live performance includes harmony singing and ensemble playing. The versatility of this group makes it perfect for stage or roving engagements.
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| Life as a Performer |
Dan Barnett
Jazz trombonist/vocalist
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How would you describe yourself?
I am actually pretty shy. I like to think I am easy going and love a chat.
What are your favourite pastimes off-stage?
I love to cook and hang with my kids and I dabble a little in radio doing a weekly programme on 89.7fm Eastside radio with my good mate Matt McMahon.
You've split your time between Sydney and Europe recently. What do you get up to over there?
Well last year I toured there for 6 weeks. We did lots of gigs in Germany, Finland, Switzerland and finished with a stint at the Edinburgh Jazz festival. My most recent trip was a 2 month family holiday in the south of France. It was amazing, the food the people were incredible. I did get a chance to hang and play at some gigs and catch up with friends. I was lucky enough to have the keys to a Gothic church where we stayed and I would practice to the delight of the locals.
If you could live anyway where would it be?
Gee that is hard I have seen some great places in the last year, maybe Barcelona Spain, Belem, Brazil. I could even handle New York for a while and Paris or anywhere in France is pretty gorgeous - so any of those.
What is your happiest/proudest musical moment?
t would probably be singing with my hero Mark Murphy. He invited me on stage at a gig of his in London; I have it on video as well. It was a moment I will never forget. I get shivers even writing about it. Mark was so generous and we have become pretty good mates since.
What song are you always asked to perform?
Probably the most requested song I get is "My Kind of Girl" from my first album. It seems to have struck a chord with many people.
Have you ever had a run in with a microphone or PA?
I remember I was in the middle of singing “Georgia on my mind” when all of a sudden I could hear the races coming back at me through the foldback speakers. I can say now it wasn't my best rendition.
Have you ever had an awkward moment on stage?
Many but I guess the most unusual one was when I was doing one of my very first professional gigs with the Moscow Circus at the Sydney Entertainment Centre and one of the bears escaped mid show. It was quite dangerous but we just kept playing and people were freaking out - as was I inwardly. They caught him eventually in the foyer area!
What initially attracted you to jazz and what came first – trombone or voice?
I grew up in a house of music; my dad was a great pro Jazz double bassist and my mum a keen listener. There were always musicians around and rehearsals going on. The Trombone came first and then I heard Sarah Vaughan sing at the Sydney opera house with my mum and knew right then I had to sing.
What do you struggle with?
I guess I struggle with being away from home for long periods on the road (last year I did 4 months worth of touring) you get tired of moving all the time and just want to sit in your own kitchen and have a cup of tea after a while.
You’ve just released your 4th album ‘One for C’. Tell us about its music and themes.
Yes my 4th album is a special tribute to may late father Cliff. I gathered some of his musician friends in three different settings and recorded songs dad either played or loved. Profits from the CD sales are donated to cancer research.
You’re singing with Emma Pask and your big band at the upcoming Twilight Concert in Pymble, do you approach a publicly staged performance differently to a private event?
No not really I think you just try and put your best foot forward what ever you do and wherever you are. Like they say "you are only as good as your last gig" it's always a buzz singing with Emma, she is one of the best.
After years of performing where do you see yourself in the future?
Probably doing more touring and performing overseas and coming back to Australia for the summer to play and hang with my friends and family.
Dan will be performing 'A Tribute to Ella & Louis' with his big band and special guest Emma Pask on Saturday 31 October as part of the Twilight Concert in the Parks series. For more information please visit www.kmc.nsw.gov.au/twilight
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NHM Entertainment | W. nhmentertainment.com.au | E. info@nhmentertainment.com.au | P. +61 2 9488 0555 | F. +61 2 9488 0588
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