Recorded at the Cell Block Theatre in Sydney. The band excels at opening tracks with a conventional teaser before introducing a funky groove into the mix courtesy of a drum break, bass-line, or whatever seems to fit. You know it's OzJazz when they open with something like 'Kanga' - a funky big band version of 'Tie Me Kangaroo Down'.
Just the Beginning Don Burrows Quartet LP 1973 [Cherry Pie]; Not released on CD
One of the greats of Australian Jazz, Burrows is a swinging clarinettist that occasionally dons a flute or sax. Just the Beginning was the first OzJazz record to go gold and features the maturation of Burrows' ultra-cool sound. In the same year he instigated the first jazz studies program in the southern hemisphere.
Just Foolin' Around Ricky May & Bob Barnard Double-LP 1974 [ABC]; CD 1987?
Of Maori origins, Ricky May was best known as a pop vocalist who spent most of his career in Australia. This record, made with OzJazz trumpeting legend Bob Barnard, may stand as his only pure jazz effort. Released as a double-LP, it is a tribute to jazz great Louis Armstrong. Hearing this, one has to wonder if May missed his calling.
Lord of the Rings (Volume 1) John Sangster Double-LP 1974 [EMI]; 2CDs 2002 [Move]
Sangster was one of OzJazz's leading improvisers. Beginning with The Hobbit Suite in 1973 he produced a series of LPs inspired by the works of JRR Tolkien. This is the first of an ambitious reissue series of the Lord of the Rings double-LPs. The music ranges from big band, cool and light orchestral right through to Sun Ra-style free jazz.
St. James Galapagos Duck LP 1976 [44 Records]; Not released on CD
One of the best-remembered mid-70s releases by the legendary Galapagos Duck, thanks in large part to a guest appearance by OzJazz icon Don Burrows. For the most part it is another funky 44 Records release largely influenced by Herbie Hancock's Head Hunters sound. Burrows' immeasurable talent is put to good use on the breezy 'Flutin''.
1976-1977 Tom Baker's San Francisco Jazz Band 1976-77 [Bill Armstrong Collection]
American-born trumpeter Tom Baker moved to Australia in his late-teens. While playing the club-circuit around Sydney he developed a passion for traditional jazz and eventually joined Ray Price's band. Formed in 1975, his own band took its cue from the Lu Watters-Turk Murphy San Francisco Revival bands of the 1930s and 40s.
Live at the Sydney Opera House Bob Barnard & the Australian Jazz Allstars 1978? [La Brava]
Late-70s live recordings from one of the giants of OzJazz - mainstream trumpeter/cornetist Bob Barnard. Barnard made his first recording on his 16th birthday while playing in his brother Len's band and was also a key member of the Port Jackson Jazz Band. These live recordings showcase Barnard's creative skill and technical mastery.
Bonfa Burrows Brazil Don Burrows & Luiz Bonfá (w/ George Golla) LP 1978 [Cherry Pie]; CD 2000 [The Orchard]
Latin jazz with an Oz edge, this record teams the legendary Australian clarinettist Don Burrows with Brazilian guitarist/vocalist Luiz Bonfá. As an added bonus, OzJazz guitar supremo George Golla puts in some acoustic and electric touches. While the bossa nova craze had seen better days, this is still a fine example of this type of jazz.
