Jazz Junction Live for July 2009: "The WIZARD AND OZ" Sunday 14 July, 2009, 3pm-6pm Andrew Farrell (the pianist) and David McMillan (guitar and vocals) are well-known and colourful entertainers, as you may well already know from their previous visits to Wagga Wagga. Andrew Farrell (the Wizard) grew up in the southern suburbs of Melbourne and started piano lessons at the age of eight. He studied classical music for many years and then, after hearing some boogie woogie, thought that it might be fun to play. He then set about playing every style of music that appealed to him, which gave him a wide and varied arsenal of tunes. David McMillan (Oz) spent his early years in London and Surrey. He was given a small guitar when he was four and eventually found that not only could it be used as a cricket bat, but also to make music. He played solo guitar until he was fifteen and then some one asked if he could sing. He found that he could, and then started digesting all kinds of music. Both Andrew and David individually moved to the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria, where each was playing. Then, they met in 1986 and have been making music together ever since... |
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Reviews "Their individual solos on guitar and piano were often breathtaking and I thoroughly recommend their act, which could be performed and appreciated at any Jazz festival. Modern, Contemporary or Traditional." Southern Jazz Adelaide "They are musicians with the ability to enthral, amuse, entertain and have the audience wondering, what next? while realising they are watching incredible talent." Merimbula Jazz Festival "They lifted the festival to new heights, add virtuoso performance on the piano with matching capability on guitar, outstanding vocals with panache and you have a stellar act They were undoubtedly the stars of the event." Monbulk Jazz & Blues Festival "Eccentric, brilliant piano player. Incredible voice and talent on guitar, every performance they gave ended with roars and cheers for more from the crowds." Illawarra Jazz Club News "Wizard and Oz was a crowd favourite at our festival. Andrew’s piano prowess takes a back seat to no one. David is one of the most versatile singers in the business, amazing! And they come out to play and play and play!! They raised the roof at our main stage a full foot!! Wizard and Oz are true pros who give all they got each time out." St John Jazz & Blues Festival, New Brunswick, Canada "The Wizard & Oz (Andrew Farrell and David McMillan) from Melbourne provided a feast of popular musical styles, and had the audience captivated by brilliant piano and guitar playing, along with relaxed solo and duo singing. I love David's gravely voice, and the obvious communication and musical feeling between these two. I think we were all blown away by the ultra fast trills and glissandos from Andrew on piano." Hamilton Jazz Society New Zealand Their website is http://www.wizardandoz.com.au As usual, the venue is the Mirage Room at the RSL Club, Dobbs Street, Wagga Wagga and the time is from 3.00pm to 6.00pm. Entry is $15 adult, $10 pensioner and student concession, children 12 years and under free. The charity is The Forrest Centre. Of course, Jazz Junction Live greatly appreciates the sponsorship of the RSL Club, the Daily Advertiser, the Riverina Conservatorium of Music, Quickprint and 2AAAFM 107.1. Allison Music very generously sets up and donates the use of the sound system whenever required. |
2009 Dates for your Diary Mirage Room - Wagga RSL Club, Dobbs Street 9 August: Hey Diddle Fiddle & Friends 20 September: In Pursuance, featuring Julian Fung & friends 11 October: Wagga Jazz Quartet with Bec Mutton 8 November: Mater Dei College Stage Band, John Shephard family, & David Kennedy (directed by David Saxon) |
| Photos of previous Jazz Junction Live events can be found in the 2AAA photo album here! |