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This year we've assembled a wonderfully exciting array of talent covering a broader spectrum of the jazz genre than in previous years, for your musical pleasure and entertainment.
It promises to be a wow of a weekend! Read on ...
 James Valentine Quartet
Multi-talented James Valentine leads his quartet to bring you some classic Australian pub rock songs weaved into wonderfully evocative jazz arrangements. James studied jazz in Melbourne however his first brush with musical fame was as a saxophonist on the burgeoning Australian pop scene in the early 80Â’s. After almost a decade he hung up his saxophone to build a successful career as a journalist and radio and television presenter but his love for jazz compelled him to return to music and the formation of The James Valentine Quartet.
James is joined by Gary Daley on keyboards, Peter Kohlhoff on bass and Cameron Reid on drums. They will be presenting his new album The Power and the Passion, recordings of purely Australian rock classics by Midnight Oil, The Divinyls, Crowded House, Russell Morris and more.
Find out more about James Valentine Quartet
 Ian and Nigel Date
The Date Brothers play Gypsy Jazz guitar. They get together when they can to play Hot Club inspired jazz. The Date Brothers were kidnapped by pirates at a young age when their parents took them sailing through the Straits of Hormuz. They were held captive for 4 years. Upon their release, everyone was astonished by their developed guitar playing skills. They like to play gypsy jazz and travel about.
Find out more about Ian and Nigel Date
 Andrew Dickeson
Known for his crisp, hard-swinging style, Andrew has been one of the foremost drummers on the Australian Jazz scene for over 20 years. He studied in New York with jazz legend Art Taylor and Vernell Fournier.
He has worked with a whos who of Jazz greats such as Johnny Griffin, Junior Cook, Lee Konitz and Kirk Lightsey, as well as practically everyone in the Australian scene. He appears around 100 CDs and is in constant demand here and overseas. He has recently released his long-awaited CD called Weaver of Dreams which is receiving outstanding reviews and accolades and is available at the Thredbo Festival. He is joined by a stellar line up of musicians Eamon McNelis on Trumpet and Roger Mannins (NZ) on Saxophone with Steve Barry on piano and bassist, Brendan Clarke . Andrew plays Canopus drums from Japan exclusively.
Find out more about Andrew Dickeson
 Ray Beadle Band
Ray Beadle is an exhilarating guitarist, an enthralling singer-songwriter, and an extremely talented performer. He is the genuine article, his music comes deep from the heart and soul, stirring emotions in people with his guitar genius. Ray's music is rich with a deep history of the Blues; Rich from 20 years of experiences garnered from performing Nationally and Internationally;and rich from a deep understanding of his instrument and how to make it stir something within the listener. He knows thatÂ’s what the Blues is about.
Ray's new album SPELLBOUND is a signature mix of all the influences that Ray brings to make his own unique take on the blues of today. Ray is joined by a his usual great line up of musicians George Brugmans on Drums, Hal Tupaea on Bass, Karl Laskowski on Tenor Sax and Nick Garbett on Trumpet.
Nic Jeffries Band
Nic Jeffries is the kind of musician that defines the word complete. A gifted singer, songwriter, saxophonist and band leader his inspiring sound crosses many genres. Although Nic plays these many strings with a masters touch, he will be remembered most for his smooth and captivating voice. Exquisite!
Dan Barnett
Singer, Trombonist and Shell Man Dan Barnett is no stranger to the festival circuit appearing regularly in the E.U. Brazil,USA and of course here in Australia. Dan has just released album number 5 with his big band to critical acclaim and brings an Allstar Quintet to Thredbo for 2012 that Includes Guitarist -Sam Rollings, Drummer - Graham Hilgendorf, Sax man Andrew Jock Robertson and Hammond Organ specialist Darren Heinrich.
Find out more about Dan Barnett
 Jeff Duff Trio
In a flamboyant and highly unique music career Jeff has released twenty-six albums, including an album with members of legendary British rock band Deep Purple. He is constantly in demand to perform at festivals and venues throughout Australia with an impressive repertoire ranging from David Bowie to Ray Charles to Sinatra and beyond. A truly versatile performer who has gained the respect of audiences throughout Australia & Europe.
For Thredbo, Jeff will rock out with his amazing trio featuring brilliant keyboard player Glenn Rhodes, and award winning drummer Tim Firth. Jeff and Glenn have been working together as Duff & Rhodes for many years. The duo has been hailed as the best duo in Australia by Sydney music magazine Drum Media due to their soulful harmonies and exciting live performances. Tim Firth who recently won the prestigious National Jazz Awards will be playing drums in Jeffs amazing trio
This time around at Thredbo Jeff will add a few great front line musicians to the line-up for the special late night gigs.
Find out more about Jeff Duff Trio
 Shirazz
Shirazz plays classic trad jazz as it was meant to be played. With hot solos, driving rhythms and tight arrangements, a set from Shirazz is a step back in time, to a jumping New Orleans dance hall where fast, hot tunes intersect with swinging standards and laid-back Louisiana street beats.
In February this year Shirazz released their new album, Enjoy Responsibly. The album will be available at all the bands gigs during the festival.
Find out more about Shirazz
 The Shuffle Club
The Shuffle Club's style is most easily described as a hot blend of jazz, swing, blues and boogie with the kind of energy and enthusiasm that will bring you onto the dance floor. They have delighted audiences throughout Australia and while successfully touring UK, Europe Mexico, the Caribbean and Japan. This talented quartet of vocalists and multi-instrumentalists create the kind of musical harmony that will leave you with a smile on your face for days. The Shuffle club is Ashley Gaudion on Saxophone and vocals, Rodney Gilbert on drums and vocals, Double Bass and voals, Paul Griska and Dannie Bourne on keyboard and vocals.
Kirrawee High School Stage Band
The Kirrawee High Stage Band consists of students ranging in age from 15 to 18 years. The band has performed with many of the greats of Australian Jazz including Don Burrows, Ed Wilson, Tommy Emmanuel and Ian Cooper. They perform concerts annually with James and John Morrison and Emma Pask, a former student of the school.
In addition to appearances at Jazz Festivals throughout NSW, the band has also toured internationally including trips to South Africa, China and Cuba (3 times). They are the only school band in the world to have visited Cuba where they have studied and played with many of that countrys finest musicians.
 James Muller
Australian guitarist James Muller is one of the most exciting and innovative musician on the Australian music scene today. His distinctive sound, coupled with masterful improvisation and breathtaking virtuosity, has made him one of the most respected and most significant young musicians in the country. By the time he burst onto the Sydney scene in 1996, at just 21 years of age, James had already recorded his first independent album No You Dont.
He was soon playing and recording with some of the biggest names in jazz and rock including Dale Barlow, Don Burrows, Renee Geyer, Jimmy Barnes, Mike Nock, Christian McBride and many more. He also has recorded three more critically acclaimed albums under his own name and made multiple tours to Europe, Asia and the US to critical acclaim. James will appear with Jeff Duff, the 25th Anniversary Concert
 Sarah McKenzie Quartet
Enchanted by the sound of the blues, pianist, vocalist and composer, Sarah McKenzie found her passion in Jazz after stumbling across a compilation record that featured the famous jazz pianist Oscar Peterson and his composition, Night Train. At just 24 years of age her musical pedigree is impeccable having being mentored by jazz legends on the Australian and international scene. 2011 sees the release of Sarahs Debut Album. Dont Tempt Me which contains extraordinary takes on classic pop, blues and jazz tunes. Stand-outs tunes are three originals by Sarah, including the Latin-style title track Dont Tempt Me, a rollicking gospel inspired Ive Got The Blues Tonight and the blues heartbreaker Love Me or Leave Me.
Please note that artists may change at any time and without warning
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