The Yarra Yarra New Orleans Jazz Band (YYJB) came together in 1959, founded by Maurie Garbutt on trumpet, Bob Brown on bass, Lee Treanor on banjo, and Eddie Robbins on clarinet. Inspired by the sounds of George Lewis, Ken Colyer, and the Melbourne New Orleans Jazz Band (MNOJB), they quickly gained a following. With Les Fithall on trombone, Don Hall on drums, and 15-year-old Judy Jacques on vocals, their popularity soared. When the MNOJB left for England in 1961, the Yarras stepped in to fill many of their gigs. Now with Denis Ball on clarinet, they thrived during the “Trad Boom,” drawing crowds of up to 1,500 at the Gas Works. In December 1962, they had the honor of playing alongside English trumpet legend Ken Colyer at the 17th Australian Jazz Convention in Sydney—a true testament to their talent.
The band’s debut album, 'Jazz As You Like It At City Hall Volume 1,' came out on the Crest label in 1964. After its release, Judy Jacques left and was replaced by English singer Pat Purchase, leading to the EP 'Introducing Pat Purchase.' They then moved to the W&G label, releasing 'The Spectacular! Yarra's' (1964) and 'Yarra Yarra New Orleans Jazz Band' (1965). Over time, the lineup shifted, featuring musicians like Roger Janes (trombone), Nick Polites (clarinet), Paul Martin (clarinet), Willie Watt (banjo), and Graham Bennett (drums). In 1967, Pat Purchase returned to England, and Sue Jennings stepped in as her replacement.
The band took on a variety of gigs, including serving as the support act for the Sonny Terry and Brownie McGee concert in Melbourne in 1966. In 1969, the Yarras, with Dave Bailey on clarinet, sailed to England, where they were joined by Roger Janes, who had already traveled there with Graeme Bell. Although the English jazz scene was quiet at the time, the Yarras found plenty of work, touring extensively across Europe and befriending Rudi Balliu, clarinetist and leader of Belgium’s Cotton City Jazz Band. Rudi later joined the Yarras for their 1971 U.S. tour, which featured Maurie, Rudi, Roger, Adrian Ford on piano, and Lynn Wallis on drums. During this time, Petra and Ashley Keating from London’s Gothic Jazz Band took over banjo duties from Andy Symes, while Frank Stewart and vocalist Kay Younger stayed behind in England.
A standout moment of the Yarra’s American tour was a lively party in New York at Al Vollmer’s home, where Wild Bill Davison joined them to play and record. They also performed for the Connecticut Jazz Club and recorded for George Buck’s GHB Records. Their 17 days in New Orleans were packed with opportunities to meet and play alongside local jazz legends like Percy Humphrey, Louis Nelson, and Emanuel Paul.
When Rudi Balliu returned home, American pianist Butch Thompson stepped in for the rest of the tour, which included a set at the Emporium of Jazz in Minneapolis, home of the Hall Brothers Jazz Band. Since coming back to Australia in October 1971, the Yarra’s had been a vital part of the country’s jazz scene. In 1973, they toured and recorded with New Orleans trumpeter Alvin Alcorn, who filled in when Percy Humphrey couldn’t make the trip to Australia. This collaboration included three concerts at Melbourne’s AMP Theatrette, recorded by Ron Halstead and Paul Burke. Another session from that time was released on Emulation Recordings EMU-001 and later remastered and reissued by Roger Beilby on Anteater Cassette 029.
In 1974, the Yarra’s were the support act for the Dutch Swing College’s concert at Festival Hall, a performance available on Paul Finnerty’s Riff Raff CD RR-004. Paul, a former Yarra’s banjo player, was part of the group’s history. A standout moment in 2005 was their tour with legendary American pianist Don Ewell. After a welcome dinner at the Taiping Restaurant, they performed with him at Melbourne’s Nicholas Hall, joined by Paul Martin on reeds and Peter Clohesy on drums. The concert was recorded and later released on the GHB label as 'Australian Tour 1975 Nicholas Hall Concert' (BCD 378/379).
During their 18-year stint at Bell’s Hotel in South Melbourne, the YYJB hosted Osaka’s New Orleans Rascals in 1992 and celebrated their 25th anniversary in 1984. That event brought back the original lineup, with Kevin Bolton stepping in for drummer Don Hall. Over the years, Hugh DeRosayro played trombone, Col Elliott and Eddie Robbins handled clarinet duties, and Judy Jacques made a return on vocals.
Members
SINGLES
''The Mountains Of Mourne / Sari Marais'' [with Pat Purchase] 1964 W&GEPs
'The Yarra Yarra New Orleans Jazz Band (Volume 1)' 1962 Crest'Yarra Yarra New Orleans Jazz Band [with Judy Jacques] Vol. 2' 1962 Crest
'Introducing Pat Purchase' 1964 Crest
'Minnie The Moocher' [with Pat Purchase] 1967 W&G
ALBUMS
'Jazz As You Like It At City Hall Volume 1' [with Judy Jacques] 1964 Crest
'The Spectacular! Yarra's' 1964 W&G
'Yarra Yarra New Orleans Jazz Band' 1964 W&G
'Australian Jazz Of The 70's – Vol. 1' 1972 Jazznote
'Yarra Yarra Jazz Band On Tour Volume 1' 1982 GHB
'Yarra Yarra Jazz Band On Tour Volume 2' 1982 GHB
'The Spectacular! Yarra's' 1964 W&G
'Yarra Yarra New Orleans Jazz Band' 1964 W&G
'Australian Jazz Of The 70's – Vol. 1' 1972 Jazznote
'Yarra Yarra Jazz Band On Tour Volume 1' 1982 GHB
'Yarra Yarra Jazz Band On Tour Volume 2' 1982 GHB
Kew Town Hall 1960's
ReplyDeleteYarra's drummer was Peter Clohesy, not Peter Clonesy.
ReplyDeleteFixed. Thanks
DeleteDavid Myers played Bass before the band travelled to England and played in band in England. He left the band and with his wife went to work for NATO in Germany; he was replaced by by Frank Stewart. Lucille was the singer at this time - she left the band and Kay Younger took her place. Lucy still lives in England.
ReplyDeleteWendye Myers (wife of Dave Myers)
I lived next door to them... much memorabilia, played squash with
ReplyDeleteJudy (once?) ... The real issue is Melbourne in the 1960's and the
cultural clash between Jazz and Rock. This was Melbourne then.
Rock was bogans, who wore black. Jazzers wore red and blue... Who won? Music!!!