GALAPAGOS DUCK “from the Basement to Bungendore”

PRODUCED by |  Cafe Woodworks - Bungendore

Pricing |  Earlybird (ends 15th March) $69. | Regular $75. | SeniorCard Concession 5%

INCLUSIONS |  Concert, Canapés plus an hour of pre-show drinks from 7pm to 8pm*, Photo Booth, Parking

DESCRIPTION |  A brilliant night of Jazz at the Carrington featuring the fabulous ‘Duck’.

Galapagos Duck has become one of the best-known jazz bands in Australia, who has an extensive international following.

The band appears in the pages of many jazz history books and has received awards both in Australia and internationally. With its unique approach and wide popular appeal, the group has become a household name and has had a significant influence on young musicians over the years through its many recordings, original music scores, performances and music workshops here and overseas.

The Duck formed in 1969 for the winter season at "The Kosciusko Ski Chalet, Charlottes Pass" before moving to the Rocks Push jazz club in Sydney. In 1973, they opened the renowned Sydney Basement Jazz Club and was the house band for years.

Galapagos Duck has recorded for Philips Records, PolyGram, and ABC Music.

Spike Milligan said "Galapagos Duck are the sort of group which play the sort of music, which if you haven't heard them for four years, and hear them again, they're still ahead. They play the music, man, and they play it great."

Music Available on iTunes and Apple Music

Don’t miss GALAPAGOS DUCK “from the Basement to Bungendore” 

Bookings Essential.  Book early to avoid disappointment. 
 

Cafe Woodworks will be open from 5.30 for excellent value early bird dining.  Scroll to bottom for details.
 

* Pre-show drinks include: selected sparkling, red and white wines, local beer, cider, and softies.  Responsible Service of Alcohol Applies

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About the Musicians

John Conley | Double Bass, Bass Guitar

Born in Melbourne, moved to Canberra where he studied classical guitar and played the double bass in the Canberra Youth Orchestra. In the early 70's studied at the NSW Conservatorium of Music in the newly established Jazz Studies program with Don Burrows and George Golla.

Played and recorded with many bands during this period including:  Winnifred Atwell, The Four Kinsmen, Errol Buddle, Col Nolan

John joined the Duck in 1981.

His extensive writing for the band includes the ballet - Austorizon - for the Australian Dance Theatre and four songs nominated in the Jazz category of the APRA awards.

In 2000 John returned to the New South Wales Conservatorium now a part of Sydney University to study. He completed an honours degree in composition in 2004.

 

Richard Booth | Saxes, Clarinet, Flutes

Richard Booth has two degrees in music with 30 years professional experience in performance having started playing in clubs and concert halls at the age of 12.

His abilities extend far beyond just the Saxophone to include all the Saxes, Clarinets, Flutes, Steel Drums, Bass, Trombone, Piano and Percussion.

He has performed or supported many notable musicians and bands including:  The Doobie Bros, Foreigner, Billy Crash Craddock, Bob Malone, The Foundations, Jimmy Barnes, James Blundell, Keith Urban, Deni Hines, Col Nolan, James Gadson, Lee Thornberg, and The Maori Volcanics.

He can be spotted in the back ground of many DVD's, numerous CD's and film tracks.

His ability to play many styles of music and various instruments makes him a valuable addition to the line-up of the "Duck".

 

"I'm not sure how many booked the Duck (fittingly, duck was on the menu), but they were there for the Duck by the end of the night and clamouring for more. This, because they've lost none of their vigour, enthusiasm, dexterity, versatility, skill or raw brio. In fact, they're probably playing better than ever; which, after forty-three years, is saying something. "

 

Rodney Ford | Drums, Vocals

Rodney began his musical studies with the trombone and trumpet at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.  While there, his casual interest in drums became a serious study, as he held the drum chair in the Jazz studies program at the Conservatorium.

After leaving the Army band, Rodney's primary instrument and affinity was for drums. He was engaged for the theatre productions 'The Wiz', 'Man of La Mancha' and 'Chorus Line' to mention a few.

In demand as a live and recording artist, he has performed with: Howie Smith, Roger Frampton, Jim Kelly, Mick Kenny, Errol Buddle, Col Nolan, Tommy Emanuel, legendary guitarists Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel and Eberhardt Weber.

Rodney is also an accomplished vocalist providing a welcome addition to the instrumental repertoire of the band.

Rodney joined Galapagos Duck in 2001.

 

Willy Qua | Saxaphone, Drums, Percussion

A founding member of the Galapagos Duck, Willy was an integral part of the band as came to prominence at the Basement Jazz Club in the early 70's.

Willy has also worked with many fine musicians including: James Morrison, Don Burrows, Johnny Nicol, Billy Fields, Renee Geyer, Marcia Hines, Dave Brubeck, Nina Simone, Barney Kessel, Herb Ellis, Mark Murphy, Mel Lewis, Earl Hines, Jimmy Witherspoon, Georgie Fame, and soul legends Sam & Dave

Willy has performed with the Elizabethan Trust Orchestra, played percussion with the Old Tote Theatre Company, worked on stage with the Australian Ballet, NSW Dance Company and the Stuttgart Ballet. He has written film scores and has played on some 30 records & CDs with a wide variety of artists.

 

"...such is their professionalism. Swing, The Beatles, Brubeck, Sting, Dixie, Trad and fusion music were all given superb renditions. That's a Plenty, Blackbird, Day Tripper, Yellow Bird, Rondo a la Turk, Misty Moonglow, were just some of the music standards given the Duck special treatment. Then the steel drum. Who would have imagined a steel drum being part of a modern jazz group? Yet, it gave an added dimension to the sound. Then a special treat from Will Sargisson, one of the finest Boogie pianists around who gave an inspired keynote solo of the great Boogie. This brought the audience to their feet for a standing ovation. Finally well after official ending time, the boys were still playing and enjoying themselves as were the audience. "

 

Will Sargisson | Piano, Keyboard

Will is recognised as one of the finest players to emerge from the New Zealand music scene in some time.

Will's festival performances include: Noosa Jazz Festival, Manly Jazz Festival, Kangaroo Point Jazz Festival (with James Morrison), and the prestigious "Piano Night" concert at Tipitina's in New Orleans.

Some notable musicians Will has performed with include:  Lillian Boutte (New Orleans "official Ambassador of Jazz"), Joe Krown (pianist for blues legend Gatemouth Brown), Conal Fowlkes (pianist for Woody Allen's jazz band), Tom McDermott (pianist for Pete Fountain), Efrem Towns of the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Jon Cleary's band 'The Absolute Monster Gentlemen', New Orleans pianist/singer Marcia Ball.

Will has been a valued member of the band on many occasions since 2009.

 

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Make a Great Night Out Even Better with
Dinner Before the Show at Café Woodworks

OPTIONAL PRE-SHOW SET-MENU – from 5:30pm

Café Woodworks | $38pp

Entree | Smoked Salmon and Avocado Salad with Crusty Sour Dough
Main | Chicken Breast wrapped in Prosciutto with crispy chats and vegetables

Vegetarian meals available on request
 

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