Jazzmanians set to show off their style

June 24, 2013, midnight
Today they continue the legacy of the band, known for its love of jazz favourites, with a focus on upbeat swing music.

AFTER emerging in one of the prime jazz eras at the end of World War II, the Jazzmanians are still going strong.

The energetic, enthusiastic and passionate six-piece Launceston band features brothers Bruce Gourlay on piano and Max Gourlay on clarinet, Simon Petty on trumpet, Hayden Dare on trombone, Ken Philpott on bass and Bruce Innocent on drums.

Get set for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping, hand-clapping experience when they perform on Saturday, July 27.

They will be at Hawley House from noon until 2pm and The Central in Devonport from 7pm until 9pm.

"We play very happy, lively music with a nice beat," Bruce Gourlay said.

Gourlay has been playing jazz piano since 1952 and joined the band shortly after.

"I really enjoy the opportunity to create our own style of music through improvising - that is the fun of jazz," he said.

The biggest highlight of Gourlay's time with the Jazzmanians was playing the opening act for renowned English jazz musicians Acker Bilk and Kenny Ball in the 1960s.


"This was a huge excitement as they are world-class names," he said.

read more: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/1592152/jazzmanians-set-to-show-off-their-style/?cs=4169