Grand WaZoo at Bird's Basement Jazz Club

The matchless 13-piece Grand WaZoo Kings of Soul, will celebrate 38 Years of soul music entertainment. Grand WaZoo has been Australia's premier soul music outfit since 1981, presenting black soul hits, rare gems and band originals to appreciative audiences across generations.

The Band was founded mid-1981 by trumpeter & arranger, John Montesante, who still leads the band today. He had previously been a founding member-arranger for Kush and toured with J.A.Madison, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons and various jazz, rock, soul and r&b bands, as well as performing freelance in show bands, big bands and TV orchestras. Many faceted, already a passionate Jazz musician, he determined to create quality work opportunities for his peers. ...

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The matchless 13-piece Grand WaZoo Kings of Soul, will celebrate 38 Years of soul music entertainment. Grand WaZoo has been Australia's premier soul music outfit since 1981, presenting black soul hits, rare gems and band originals to appreciative audiences across generations.

The Band was founded mid-1981 by trumpeter & arranger, John Montesante, who still leads the band today. He had previously been a founding member-arranger for Kush and toured with J.A.Madison, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons and various jazz, rock, soul and r&b bands, as well as performing freelance in show bands, big bands and TV orchestras. Many faceted, already a passionate Jazz musician, he determined to create quality work opportunities for his peers.

Grand WaZoo then became a rite of passage for many of the finest jazz and soul artists in Australia, who have gone on to stellar careers, eg Joe Chindamo, Chong Lim, Kate Ceberano, Jamie Oehlers, and most outfits that follow in the Soul genre have taken their inspiration from this mighty band. Grand WaZoo offers musical excellence, longevity, experience and entertainment value second to none, and is widely revered as a "Soul Institution".

You will hear timeless music by Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, Wilson Pickett, Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Sam & Dave, Stevie Wonder, Martha & The Vandellas, Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Four Tops, Earth Wind & Fire, Kool & The Gang, Al Green, Otis Redding & more! Truly a night to remember.

Grand WaZoo regularly sells out, so round up your party friends and reserve your tickets early!

Lineup:
John Montesante - Band Leader, Arranger, 2nd Trumpet
Mat Jodrell - Lead Trumpet
Andrew Serpell - Trombone
Jim Glasson - Alto Sax
Russell Praetz - Tenor Sax
Stuart Byrne - Baritone Sax
Peter Ford - Piano
Michael Rochford - Drums
Barney Loveland - Bass Guitar
Shane Goonan - Lead Guitar
Wylie J Miller - Vocals
Walter Saluni - Vocals
Joys Njambi - Vocals

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