Expect a fun night with swinging standards and interesting material!

Rick Freeman – Piano

Rick is at home swinging hard, playing Latin, the blues or in contemporary and cross over styles plus originals and has a range of influences both jazz and classical.  Bach, Fauré, Marie Schneider, Horace Silver plus local inspirations abound in his style.  He has had residencies over the years both in Melbourne and overseas. He led the very popular jazz and blues sextet called The ‘Game Of Tones’ and the ‘Casa Latina Quartet”. Rick was pianist in residence at the Eco Brick Yard Retreat in Mutianyu for 5 years and played sax in the End of The World Original Punk Ska band. He is a former Director of Music at Blackburn High School, having directed jazz ensembles there and at Balwyn High School. He is the accompanist at De La Salle College and teaches piano and clarinet, and  is accompanist for the Athenaeum Choir, directed by Bill Simmonds.

Tim Rex – Double Bass 

Tim is one of Melbourne’s most popular bass players and has recorded in recent times with Tony Gould and many other jazz dignitaries. Corporate work including with the Baker Boys keeps him busy.  Also,a very competent trombonist, which was his first instrument. He is Head of Music at Bentleigh Secondary College. Tim is a fearless player who combines  exceptional talent and good humour.

Rob Mercer – Drums

Rob is a freelance drummer and high school music educator of the highest calibre, based in Melbourne. A graduate of Monash University who has studied under some of the best Australian International educators and performers.

Dave Newdick – trumpet and flugelhorn

Rob and Tim both graduated from the Generations In Jazz Academy Big Band and have a special connection evident in their wonderfully combined talents. Rob too gives any ensemble a huge lift. This bass drums “engine room” combo is a killer. Enjoy!

Rating

Exempt

Cast

Rick Freeman, Tim Rex, Rob Mercer