Australia's Barnard brothers, Bob and Len, team with the man widely credited with being the greatest stride pianist to emerge after World War II - American Ralph Sutton. The album is a swinging set of mostly obscurities, with Bob Barnard's trumpet frequently out front leading the way. Released on CD in 1995 on the Analogue label.
Endangered Species Galapagos Duck LP 1983 [ABC Jazz]; CD 1992 [Pickwick]
The pinnacle of GD's funky-fusion sound, everything here from soulful laidback moments to groovin' sax, and a bit of rag for good measure. Made in association with WWF Australia and showcasing a strong ecological bent, Goon (and big fan) Spike Milligan penned the words to 'Poor Little Bustard'. Help save the northern hairy-nosed wombats.
I Thought About You Marie Wilson LP 1984 [Larrikin]; CD 1994
Wilson was born in Calcutta and migrated to Australia in the early 1960s. She made her name singing golden era jazz standards, as typified by the 13 tracks on this album. The first OzJazz vocal album to be released in the USA, it was also re-issued on CD in the mid-90s - making this a rare 80s OzJazz success story of sorts.
A Night in Tunisia James Morrison LP 1984 [ABC]; CD 1995
The Morrison Brothers Big Bad Band was the first big band to achieve notoriety since the famed Daly-Wilson outfit of the 1970s. Featuring outstanding multi-instrumentalist James Morrison out front, the support also includes trombonist Bob Johnson, Tom Baker on reeds and pianist Kevin Hunt - with an added cameo from Don Burrows.
Lush Life George Golla Orchestra LP 1986 [ABC]; Not released on CD
This straightahead tribute to Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn by OzJazz guitar legend George Golla is getting somewhat difficult to find, despite winning an ARIA award when it was originally released. Shortly before making Lush Life, Golla received royal honours for his services to Australian jazz, including a distinguished teaching career.
It All Ends Up In Tears Vince Jones 1987 [Intuition]
Just about anything by this remarkable jazz vocalist is worth getting. Tears won a prestigious ARIA award, but try the Virtue 'best of' set if you can't find it. Jones' emotionally-charged original compositions are just plain mesmerising. Despite his subdued manner, he is also not one to shy away from a bit of in-your-face progressive politics either.
The record that inspired many a young OzJazz musician to take on the world, Soundtrack features a legendary quartet consisting of tenor Dale Barlow, pianist Paul Grabowsky and the Lloyd Swanton/Tony Buck rhythm section now famous for their work with The Necks. Loaded with original compositions, this was the dawning of a new era.
Six By Three Browne, Costello & Grabowsky 1989 [Spiral Scratch]
The credits are alphabetical, but this is the lineup that most think of as the Paul Grabowsky Trio. The group, founded in 1983, has become the one constant in pianist/composer Grabowsky's career - concurrently recording with other artists and taking on major projects with the likes of the Australian Art Orchestra. Highly influential.
