LazyBones
LazyBones Trombone Jazz Quintet at the Newport Jazz Festival 1st May 2021
The quintet played a much-appreciated set at the Festival, thanks to Lachlan Smith (trombone), Rory Clark (piano), Doug Kuhn (bass) and Larry Kean (drums). Several photos with nice captions appeared in the local paper, and the Festival Director gave us high praise. The band was programmed for another two sets on the following day but, overnight, Lachlan developed COVID-19 symptoms and needed to be tested and self-quarantine, so we had to withdraw. We're looking forward very much to next year's Festival!
Here's what the Newport Star had to say about us: "Lazy Bones was a crowd favourite at the Newport Jazz Festival." Very nice of them, and thank you.
LazyBones Trombone Jazz Quintet at the Newport Jazz Festival 30th April 2022
This time we were able to play two sets - one in the Bowls Club and one in the Library opposite. We were happy with both, although for the second one at 6pm there was almost no-one there to hear us. The acoustics in the library room are superb so we had a ball and really let things rip. Playing bass this time was Mike Willliams and we had Patrick Barton Grace on piano. Thank you, folks..
LazyBones + 2 played for the Inaugural Dinner Dance at the RACV Resort for the Inverloch Jazz Festival in March 2014
The septet were thrilled to be chosen for this gig and, together with singer Maryanne Smart, played a program of swinging jazz for the audience. Together with Don were Luc Weiner and Bas Rizopoulos on trombones, Jonty Smith on bass trombone, Joel Trigg on piano, Daniel Beinke on bass and the wonderful Monique Zucco on drums who is featured in the video clip below. "Cute" is a classic Count Basie tune and Monique gave it full justice.
LazyBones has been on the Melbourne jazz scene since the middle 1980s and has delighted audiences ever since with its unique instrumentation, extensive repertoire of both well-known and unfamiliar tunes and songs, and varied presentation.
Our music is tuneful and is lots of fun to listen and to dance to. A very common audience reaction is “I didn’t know trombones could sound like that!”.
After many years as a quintet, modelled on the J. J. Johnson - Kai Winding group of the 1950s and '60s, Don decided to add two more trombones and a singer in order to give a bigger sound, more variety in arrangements, and backings ranging from lush 'orchestral strings' to shouting big band for the singers.
Our singers have included Emma Sidney, Louisa Rankin, Mary Louise Hatch, Sarah McDonald, Jennifer Lee, Maryanne Smart and Susi Cloete, all of whom bring out the emotions in ballads and the excitement in the up-tempo songs.
An important reason for forming LazyBones in the first place was to give more opportunities than is usual in small band settings for trombone players to strut their stuff. For instance, Eric Budd’s prowess on the trombone has to be heard and seen, and will open your eyes and ears to the capabilities of the trombone in expressing the essence of jazz and improvisation. It has been a pleasure to have many of Melbourne's finest 'bone players in the LazyBones line-up, and long may it continue.
We can provide excellent music for a range of occasions – indoor and outdoor, listening and dancing, formal or informal – wherever accessible, happy and expressive jazz is wanted. Please contact Don to discuss your needs.
Our music is tuneful and is lots of fun to listen and to dance to. A very common audience reaction is “I didn’t know trombones could sound like that!”.
After many years as a quintet, modelled on the J. J. Johnson - Kai Winding group of the 1950s and '60s, Don decided to add two more trombones and a singer in order to give a bigger sound, more variety in arrangements, and backings ranging from lush 'orchestral strings' to shouting big band for the singers.
Our singers have included Emma Sidney, Louisa Rankin, Mary Louise Hatch, Sarah McDonald, Jennifer Lee, Maryanne Smart and Susi Cloete, all of whom bring out the emotions in ballads and the excitement in the up-tempo songs.
An important reason for forming LazyBones in the first place was to give more opportunities than is usual in small band settings for trombone players to strut their stuff. For instance, Eric Budd’s prowess on the trombone has to be heard and seen, and will open your eyes and ears to the capabilities of the trombone in expressing the essence of jazz and improvisation. It has been a pleasure to have many of Melbourne's finest 'bone players in the LazyBones line-up, and long may it continue.
We can provide excellent music for a range of occasions – indoor and outdoor, listening and dancing, formal or informal – wherever accessible, happy and expressive jazz is wanted. Please contact Don to discuss your needs.
