May Johnston

Funk, Jazz, R&B, Soul

Her performances are honest, real and highly entertaining. May delivers with her dynamic vocal ability and strong stage presence on every occasion. A song writer, vocal coach and an international recording artist with a band signed to Freestyle Records in the UK; her performances have received worldwide reviews.

Reviews – “New vocalist May Johnston makes her presence felt on title track, combining the best elements of Marva Whitney and Spanky Wilson on a sure-fire dance floor destroyer!” – JB HiFi

“May Johnston, has a voice that can only make your jaw drop… Her unique tones, technical ability and spirit flows through her music. Having had the privilege of watching and sharing the stage with her. She should be up there with all the iconic singers, I know that anyone who has seen May Johnston perform will be enriched through her music. – Tommy Rando (Taxiride)

Having just returned from a European tour; performing at Glastonbury Music Festival in UK and St Paul Soul and Jazz Festival, May is in the process of writing her solo album to be released next year.

Since 2010; May Johnston’s career has strengthened year after year, receiving great receptions for her live performances and album broadcasts from Australia, Europe and USA. As a lead singer of Deep Street Soul and a regular performer with the legendary Grand WaZoo 13 piece band; she continues to develop her art through singing at Festivals, live radio interviews, mentoring others and coaching performance workshops. Melbourne wedding band, Melbourne function band.

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The Tarantinos

Blues, Motown, Rock 'n' Roll, Rockabilly

Inspired by the Writer/Director Quentin Tarantino, these Melbourne musicians formed The Tarantinos based on their fascination with his incredible, eclectic soundtracks.

Matching the famous Director’s flair for doing things his own way, they bring their own brand of raucous, high energy performance to the stage. They play the best known, (and some lesser known) songs from many of his classic films, which includes Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Death Proof, Kill Bill and more. The Tarantinos embody all the hard hitting style of the films from which they play.

With audio samples from the films, sharp costumes and an attitude to match, The Tarantinos bring their energy across the various musical genres that accompany films that have inspired them for many years. The Surf/Rock classics like Dick Dale’s “Misirlou”, The Lively Ones “Surf Rider”, George Baker Selection’s “Little Green Bag” and April March’s Chick habit are just a few of the amazing selection.

Get in touch with us at Melbourne jazz to book The Tarantinos for your next function!

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Florelie Escano

Blues, Funk, Jazz, Motown, R&B, Soul

Florelie Escano is a Melbourne soul singer/songwriter with a powerful voice. Her songs reflect personal experiences, carefully crafted lyrics and full, groove and horn driven instrumental arrangements.

In 2009, Florelie started her own soul band, entering Melbourne’s thriving live music scene with a Monday night residency at The Espy (St.Kilda) supporting Hiphop Artist, “LOTEK.” Several gigs followed, including support spots for Arrested Development, Soul II Soul, Roy Ayers. Outside of her own projects, she tours nationally and internationally with LOTEK’s hiphop/reggae collective, “Rebel Hifi”, playing festivals (Falls/Glastonbury).

Florelie Escano’s first 7” vinyl release, double-A-side of “Moody Blues”/“The Liberating Kind”, was recorded with Australia’s finest musicians including members of R&B sensation, “Electric Empire”. Look out for her national single launch tour followed by her debut album launch.

Let Melbourne Jazz make your next event memorable with Florelie Escano performing live!

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Dave Llewellyn Group

Blues, Jazz

Dave Llewellyn is a Brisbane born multi-instrumentalist performer, composer and educator. He has studied with some of Australia’s leading jazz musicians and educators, and has a Bachelor of Music (jazz saxophone) and Masters of Music (jazz saxophone) from the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. He composed for the 2005 Kawai Masters Keyboard Concert series, which was performed and recorded, and in 2007, he received the Griffith Award for Academic Excellence.

He has performed with artists including Guy Sebastian, Paul Kelly, Tom Burlinson, Paulini, Harry Angus (Cat Empire) and Wally De Backer (Gotye) to name a few.

Dave Llewellyn is now in Melbourne where he is working as a session musician, performer and arranger, as well as playing sax, keyboard and drums for different musical acts.

His own group focuses on straight-ahead jazz standards, with a flexible lineup and a well rounded repertoire covering everything from ballads to bossas to bebop.

Dave is endorsed by Aizen mouthpieces.

Contact Melbourne Jazz to get the Dave Llewellyn Group for your next function.

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San Salvador

Reggae

Hailing from Melbourne, Australia and fusing reggae, dub and soul, San Salvador have made a name for themselves through their dynamic and infectious live performances. Since forming in 2007, the band have created a unique live experience soaked in reverb and delays with vocal and horn melodies soaring over heavy drum and bass grooves.

Touring around the country and thriving amongst various festivals, including Easterfest, Blackstump, Forest Edge and residencies at the Evelyn Hotel, the boys from San Salvador have also supported the likes of The WBC (NZ), The Ska Vendors, Justin Grounds (UK) Live@Subs and Tin Can Radio to name a few.

Drop Melbourne Jazz a line to book San Salvador for your function.

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Dave Arden Band

Folk, Reggae, Rock

With a proud history in the Australian music industry, Aboriginal singer-songwriter Dave Arden has toured the globe with Koori Youth Band, Bart Willoughby and Mixed Relations Band, as well as Archie Roach, the late Ruby Hunter and as a featured Artist and Co-music director for the legendary Black Arm Band.

He showcases his own brand of folk and rock with other influences from his rich musical past. With his upcoming album nearing completion, the Dave Arden Gunditjmara/Kokatha, Songman & Storyteller concerts will feature Dave’s songs, accompanied with stories, moving imagery, photographs and spoken word. They tell of his family, community and the cultural backgrounds of his two worlds. His showcases will delve deeply into his Aboriginal ancestry, spiritual culture, and respect. He will take the audience on a journey of reconciliation and healing.

Melbourne Jazz is proud to represent Dave Arden. Contact us to book Dave for your next event.

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