ARENA

Arena was a 70s fusion group led by saxophonist Ted White, who moved from the British big band jazz scene to Australia in the 1960s to work in television. In the mid-70s, he brought together top session musicians to test a new studio, Crystal Clear in South Melbourne, and record an album. The lineup was a who’s who of Australian music: drummer Graham Morgan, staff drummer for over 20 years on shows like The Don Lane Show, Young Talent Time, The Ernie Sigley Show, and more; keyboardist Peter Jones, a veteran of cabaret and jazz since the 60s and in-demand as a studio player, arranger, and musical director; guitarist Charlie Gauld, who started with The Thunderbirds and became a sought-after session guitarist; and bassist Bob Arrowsmith, who had played on countless recordings. Together they recorded seven original tracks blending jazz fusion and funk, producing one of the finest Australian jazz-funk albums ever released. Charlie Gauld died in 2016. Graham Morgan died in 2026.

Members

Ted White (saxophone), Peter Jones (keyboards), Bob Arrowsmith (bass), Charlie Gauld (guitar), Graham Morgan (drums)

ALBUMS

'Arena' 1975 Crystal Clear