The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band (MNOJB) was formed in 1957 and quickly rose to prominence after playing for promoter Horst Liepolt at the Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Club in St. Kilda that August. Later that year, they were voted the best New Orleans group in Australia at the Adelaide Jazz Convention, an honor they repeated in Sydney in 1958, Cootamundra in 1959, and back home in 1960. That same year, they represented New Orleans jazz before an audience of 60,000 at the History of Jazz concert in Melbourne’s Music Bowl. Folk singer Paul Marks, a founding member, also formed his own folk group with the band’s rhythm section. Signed by Swaggie Records, they released several singles, EPs, and albums, and held a popular Saturday residency at the Esquire Club in Glen Iris. In 1961, they made waves in the UK, where fans welcomed their fresh take on traditional jazz. From September 1961, they toured extensively across the UK, Ireland, and Germany before disbanding in London in April 1963. Paul Marks died in New Zealand in 2022.
Members
Paul Marks (vocals), Llew Hird (trombone), Nick Poiltes (clarinet), Willy Watt (banjo), Graham Bennet (drums), Lou Silbereisen (bass), Mookie Herman (bass), Frank Turville (trumpet), Dave Rankin (trombone), Kevin Shannon (trombone), Charles Powell (trombone)
EPs
'The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band with Paul Marks' 1959 Swaggie
'The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band' 1959 Swaggie
'The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band With Paul Marks' 1960 Swaggie
'The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band With Paul Marks' 1961 Swaggie
ALBUMS
'London Bound' [with Paul Marks] 1961 W&G
'The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band' 1961 Swaggie
'The Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band' 1964 Swaggie
Enjoyed the jam sessions at the Jazz Club long ago. Was with the SEC mid-60's where we met. Loved the music and continue to enjoy in the States. Hope all is well.
Hi Cliff, just read that you had some copies of the Melbourne New Orleans Band. Paul Marks was my stepfather, unfortunately Paul passed away in New Zealand Anzac day two years ago. my mother Eleanor Marks is in aged care in Christchurch and has been looking for some of his recordings. The original records they had got lost in one of their moves including Paul Marks at the Reata. I was wondering whether it would be possible to get copies I could give her. My email is glozieraudio@gmail.com
I have a LP called Australian Jazz of the 60’s featuring The New Orleans Jazz band. YPRX-2166. Jazz lover records 1984. Recordings 1960/61. Can’t find another copy. Do you have this?
Spelling: Lou Silbereisen string bass. The Australian Jazz Museum has a vast collection of the Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band recordings. See www.ajm.org.au Margaret Anderson, Archivist, Australian Jazz Convention
I lived in O`Hea St Coburg and was amazed how Billy Watt from Gilmour St and yourself became part of Australian folklore. Johnny Howe in Gilmour St was a good pianist also but made a career in Defense Standard Laboratories. Memories!!!
Frank Turville
ReplyDeleteHi Frank thanks for the hello. Have you got any additional info you would like to add?
DeleteCheers Kimbo
Melbourne New Orlens Jazz Band
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the jam sessions at the Jazz Club long ago. Was with the SEC mid-60's where we met. Loved the music and continue to enjoy in the States. Hope all is well.
ReplyDeleteTerry O.
I have 3 EP's and 3 Albums in Flac form. Are you interested in copies.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Send them to kimchallands@hotmail.com Thanks very much
DeleteHi Cliff, just read that you had some copies of the Melbourne New Orleans Band. Paul Marks was my stepfather, unfortunately Paul passed away in New Zealand Anzac day two years ago. my mother Eleanor Marks is in aged care in Christchurch and has been looking for some of his recordings. The original records they had got lost in one of their moves including Paul Marks at the Reata. I was wondering whether it would be possible to get copies I could give her. My email is glozieraudio@gmail.com
DeleteCheck your email.
ReplyDeleteBloody ripper Cliff. Cheers mate
DeleteI have a LP called Australian Jazz of the 60’s featuring The New Orleans Jazz band.
DeleteYPRX-2166. Jazz lover records 1984. Recordings 1960/61.
Can’t find another copy. Do you have this?
Not familiar with this LP
DeleteSpelling: Lou Silbereisen string bass. The Australian Jazz Museum has a vast collection of the Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band recordings. See www.ajm.org.au
ReplyDeleteMargaret Anderson, Archivist, Australian Jazz Convention
Fixed. Thankyou
DeleteI lived in O`Hea St Coburg and was amazed how Billy Watt from Gilmour St and yourself became part of Australian folklore. Johnny Howe in Gilmour St was a good pianist also but made a career in Defense Standard Laboratories. Memories!!!
ReplyDelete