“Rhythme Mélodique”

Paul Hendon, reeds
Paul Williams, reeds
Jo Bloomfield, piano
John Conley, double bass

Originally formed in 2018 for the Sunday Hot Club in Brisbane, this group brings together two of the most melodic reed players in Australia in Paul Williams & Paul Hendon. They are accompanied by the renowned Jo Bloomfield on piano and John Conley (from the legendary band “Galapagos Duck”) on double bass. The group draws on a rich repertoire of tunes from the swing era, with a little touch of French from the Hot Club genre, and are sure to entertain listeners and dancers alike.

Paul Williams started playing clarinet and saxophone at age 11 in London. He had lessons with Ron Moore, clarinetist with the London Symphony Orchestra. He turned professional at 15, touring England, Switzerland & Turkey. He then worked on cruise ships for a year before settling in Sydney, working theatres, clubs, pubs and recording sessions, backing artists such as Isaac Hayes, Cilla Black, Al Martino, Gene Pitney and Linda Ronstadt with the Nelson Riddle Orchestra. He recorded more than 30 albums with many local jazz artists including Bob Barnard, Tom Baker, Judy Bailey, Graeme Bell, Keith Hounslow and James Morrison. Since moving to Queensland he has worked for the Education department as an Instrumental Music teacher, and as a regular member of the Up the River Jazz Band, the Caxton Street Jazz Band and The Jazz Factory in Noosa.

Meanwhile, in a parallel universe, Paul Hendon started playing clarinet and saxophone at age 11 in Melbourne. He had lessons with Alan Vivian, clarinetist with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and was introduced to jazz by his Instrumental music teacher and one of the forefathers of Australian Jazz, Ade Monsbourgh. Whilst pursuing jazz as a hobby, his career as an electronics engineer regularly took him to Sydney in the 1980’s where he was exposed to some of the greats of the Australian Jazz scene, one of his idols being none other than Paul Williams!

Jo Bloomfield is one of the most in-demand jazz pianists in Queensland (and for good reason!). She is regularly invited to perform at the Noosa Jazz Festival, was part of the Story Bridge band that played every Sunday afternoon for decades, as well as the Vintage Jazz & Blues Band, and more recently has been very busy with the Session Band which had a very popular return visit to the Toowoomba Jazz Club last month.

Born in Melbourne, John Conley moved to Canberra where he studied classical guitar and played the double bass in the Canberra Youth Orchestra. In the early 70’s he studied at the NSW Conservatorium of Music in the newly established Jazz Studies program with Don Burrows and George Golla. John has played and recorded with many bands during this period including Winnifred Atwell, The Four Kinsmen, Errol Buddle and Col Nolan. In 1981 John became (and is still is) a member of the well-known jazz band Galapagos Duck, touring and recording extensively. His prolific 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 Conservatorium to study and received an honours degree in composition in 2004.

So come along and enjoy this rare opportunity to hear “Rythme Mélodique”

Reservations are encouraged, please text the reservation number 0460 869 256.

ENTRY: TJS Member $15, Non-members $20. Annual membership of Toowoomba Jazz Society is available on the night.

PARKING: Access the car park off Gipps Street or there are parks in front of the bowling green in Ball Street and access via the gate.

ENTRANCE: Up the steps from the car park on the southern side of the building or from the bowling green side. Disabled access ramp on the Western side (Gipps Street) and through the bar.

Out of respect for the musicians and your fellow patrons, please keep conversations at low volume during the performance. Many thanks.

See the delicious Bistro menu below for Rink 46 – open from 5.30pm. Bring you City Golf Club membership card for member discounts.
https://www.facebook.com/Rink46/menu/?id=100085433600459