Jo’s Wizards are back for the fourth year in a row as main band for Tweed Valley Jazz Club’s Christmas gig. While hard and fast labelling of their style is avoided the Wizards’ emphasis is on the beginnings of jazz as played in the first half of the 20th century. So ‘traditional’ or ‘classic’ jazz are appropriate. The material is generally well known and easily recognised with a liberal sprinkling of lesser known material which almost instantly has a familiar flavour about it. Above all, it’s jazz – played with enthusiasm, passion and respect. It is fair to say that performances by this band are rare and should be grasped firmly when they occur.
The band features Jo Bloomfield on piano, Mauri Thomas on drums, Tom Nicholson on trombone and vocals, Wally Firth on banjo and guitar, Ian Cocking on bass, Geoff Speed on clarinets, soprano and alto saxes and John Braben on trumpet.
Apart from one other gig at the Brisbane Jazz Club, the band’s only other performances outside of Bellingen have been with the Tweed Valley Jazz Club – so don’t miss the opportunity to get into the festive spirit with the wonderful Wizards of Jazz at the Condong Bowls Club Friday.
