HARBOUR CITY JAZZ BAND

 

The Harbour City Jazz Band was a prominent traditional jazz group founded in Sydney in 1967. Co-founded by British-born musician Mike Hallam (from Nottingham), the ensemble became a staple of the Sydney jazz scene through its robust, white dixieland and classic 1920s-inspired polyphonic arrangements. The band's repertoire focused primarily on heavily arranged traditional jazz standards, upbeat swing melodies, and original blues compositions. They were first heard on the LP 'Volume 2: Fred Starkey Foundation'. Split with Bill Haesler's Washboard Band it was released in 1973 on the Festival label. Some of their core recorded works included: 'Foo's Blues' (1975): A classic full-length studio album released on the Australian 44 records label with the lineup of Geoff Gilbert (vocals, banjo), Jim Young (piano), Dave Cross (clarinet, flute, sax), Terry McCardle (trumpet), Greg Foster (trombone, harmonica) and Vic Hatten (bass). 'The Jazz Boat' (1980): An LP standard featuring original tracks like "Cave Blues" alongside vocals by Jill Lindfield. The band played at many venues including French's Tavern, the Festival of Sydney and other establish jazz venues around the city.

Members

Geoff Gilbert (vocals, banjo), Cliff Reese (trumpet), Paul Williams (clarinet, sax), Jill Lindfield (vocals), Mike Hallam (trumpet), Jim Fletcher (drums), Jim Elliott (trombone/sax), D'arcy Wright (bass), Chris McRobert (bass), Bob Learmonth (trombone), John Dagg (trumpet), Jack Greenland (clarinet), Jim Young (piano), Dave Cross (clarinet, flute, sax), Terry McCardle (trumpet), Greg Foster (trombone, harmonica), Vic Hatten (bass), Ken Crawford (piano)

SINGLES
''Country Cousins / Plunkett Street Rag'' 1975 44 Records

ALBUMS
'Volume 2 Fred Starkey Foundation' (split LP with Bill Haeslers Washboard Band) 1973 Festival
'Foo's Blues' 1975 44 Records
'The Jazz Boat' 1980 WEA
'Live To Air With The Harbor City Jazz Band And Jill Lindfield' 2002 GHB