Hidden Masters

[jamie]

I wanted to start a thread about those influential Australian players who have pretty much stayed out of the limelight, but who have had a huge impact on their students, or scenes they are/were part of...

One of my biggest influences is my first saxophone teacher, Roger Garrood, from Perth. This guy is one of the heaviest players I have heard still to this day. Every time he plays, he bursts at the seams and pours his heart out. I remember him telling me when I was about 13, that to play is to speak from the heart, and to mean everything you play. People wonder why Perth has produced good saxophone players - the answer is Roger. John Mackey, Carl Mackey, James Sandon, Troy Roberts, Graeme Blevins etc etc, everyone's been through Roger. Everytime I go back Roger comes and plays, and everytime I feel like letting him do the rest of the gig so I can sit back and listen.

Who are the other hidden masters?

[thierryf]

Another is greg sheehan. He has tutored hundreds of drummers percussionists musos. He was gigin roun before i was born[ sometime in the sixties] he can han have a bunch of accountants slapping their asses in 15/16 in round an hour. look out for "playing australia[DVD] where he and ben Walsh go out and "play the rainforest.

[isaacs]

Great thread Jamie!

I've said it before, but my hidden master is also a Roger - Roger Frampton.

Well, he's well-known in one sense, yes, but "hidden" as to his true worth in the wider musical culture.

[giannim]

I think Bob Venier is someone who has flown under the radar. One of my heroes for the beautiful taste he always shows when he plays (not always present with trumpet players!!!)

[plunk]

One of my alltime faves is Chuck Morgan.... I remember hearing him play for the first time when I was about fifteen.....hearing him led me to those early Benson recordings and Jim Hall too. Hes got soul, beautiful time and hes one of the sweetest people on the planet. Its always a pleasure to hear him.....Go Chuckie!

[aj]

Great thread ! Keep 'em coming.

[alimcg]

Greg Sheehan - definitely.

I'll add another drummer to this list - Col Hoorweg. The Arse-Kicker!

[keevox]

Although he's not Australian-born, Mickey Tucker, my teacher at VCA changed my life. Not just an incredible pianist, but a brilliant teacher as well. Mark Simmonds is still one of the most inspirational musicians I have ever heard. My first jazz teacher back in Brisbane, Clive Moorehead taught me heaps of invaluable stuff about the piano and about composing and arranging.

[bodgey]

Excellent thread!
Being from Taswegia (don't ban me from this site!!! ;D), I will chuck a couple of hidden masters in the mix.

1. Randall Muir - this guy is simply amazing. I was lucky enough to fall under his tutelage earlyish on and he continues to be an inspiration. Taught me piano, and he plays piano, hammond and accordion all at an exceptional level. I'll rant a bit more about Randy's hammond playing, becuase I believe he is one of Australia's most underrated musos. Jazz and funk - Randy grooves!! He is one of the few players I know that can do 'the bump' (left foot trick on a B3 to fatten up the attack for bass lines) really effectively, and is a master accompanist and soloist. If anyone reads this that is involved with the annual Hammond Fest thingy, please get Randy involved. This is not to diminish his piano or accordion playing though - top notch all round.

2. Fred Bradshaw - I'm sure some of you know Freddie as he played with Bob Sedergreen for years in melbs. Again, I was lucky to learn with him and play with him for a number of years. Incredible alto player and one of the nicest, most giving guys in the world. Loves teaching and should be given some kind of medal for teaching so much for so long.

any other Tassie lurkers that want to add someone? AliMcG?

[bodgey]

Should also add that Mr. Muir is no chump at the cards table.
Also, he practises more than ANYONE i've ever met. The nicest most generous guy I have ever met.

Go Randy.

[ladylex]

Yeh: Clive is def responsible for a lot of musical things in Brisbane. Such a beautiful touch on the piano...Him and Viv Middleton

Max Olding is also another one!

Jonathon Dimond is also another hidden master IMO. He just widened our perspective on music so much especially with his experiences in India.

As is Don Lebler - I love his rimshots and open hats. *sigh He has really motivated and inspired
heaps of kids - and not just drummers either.

ooo Irene Bartlett! She's another. I doubt theres a singer gone thru Qld without at least having one session with her!

This is a great thread.

[Baked Bean]

I went to play in New Zealand last year and met Roger Sellers from melbourne and he blew me away... Roger was actually the house drummer for Ronnie Scott's in London in the 70's or 80's... Roger's playing is uplifting...

And thanks for the ride cymbal man!!

[mats]

Stewie Speer

[plunk]

Oh yeah - Roger is a big influence on Jazz in Wellington and NZ - a huge influence on me - he hooked me onto everything from Bill Evans to Euro jazz - hes a beautiful drummer and a passionate teacher - talk! my god...its all good though. (and my brain cells take a hammering everyime we meet up in Wello...)
Another one is Paul Dyne... geat bass player with such incredible musical generosity and patience. These guys have guided the likes of Jann Rutherford,Roger Manins, and many others.... and they have done some heavy playing in their time too...

[aka]

'The Bat.'.....Barry Duggan.