Three parts vocals, ten parts horn and four parts rhythm – their all-star line-up features some of the best young jazz musicians hitting the Australian jazz scene today. This talented group of Illawarra musicians are led by trombonist Des Cannings and are celebrating their 10th anniversary this year with their debut album featuring music written and arranged by Paddy Kelly, Callum Burns, Wal Gregory and Des Cannings.

Members of the band have become the top call players in bands including The Sydney Women’s Jazz Collective, The Sydney Jazz Orchestra, and The Dan Barnett Big Band as well as leading their own groups both in Wollongong and Sydney.

The band’s fresh and youthful energy imbues a modern sound in their music that still pays homage to the classic music of Count Basie and Duke Ellington. This performance will feature tunes from the album as well as other modern big band compositions. Dixie, swing, funk, blues, latin, modern jazz, pop and rock as well as original music… The South Coast Big Band caters to a large musical repertoire. The vocalists assist the band by singing classics from Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitz-Gerald, Harry Connick Jr and many favourites.

Photo by Selina Foo

• The South Coast Big Band creates a toe tapping atmosphere with classic jazz and big band arrangements combined with equally exciting home grown compositions. - Mark Matthews, ABC Illawarra