Dan Barnett's High

Historical article recovered from a Wayback capture dated 2018-02-24.

Dan Barnett was born into music being the son of the Sydney bassist Cliff Barnett. He began his musical life as a trombonist studying with greats such as James Morrison, Conrad Herwig, Bruce Paulson, Dan Barrett, Don Burrows, George Golla and Steve Turre.

He quickly developed a love for singing and has since studied with the much respected Sydney teacher Patricia Oertel and with the legendary Mark Murphy, Mike Campbell and Miles Griffith. Dan has worked and recorded with some of the greats in Australian and international music such as James Morrison, Will Calhoun, Tom Burlinson, Barbara Morrison, Mark Murphy, Bob Barnard, Dan Barrett, Bob Montgomery, George Washingmachine, Emma Pask, Janet Seidel, Don Burrows, George Golla, Evan Christopher, David Paquette, Judy Bailey, Rhonda Birchmore, Kevin Hunt and “The Australian Art Orchestra” production “Testimony” the Legend of Charlie Parker. He is also a permanent member of the Unity Hall Jazz band and Blues Point Jazz vocal group as well as being a renowned bandleader of both big band and small groups.

Dan is a regular on the Australian and European festival Circuit having played at Waiheke JVC Jazz New Zealand, Thredbo, Manly, Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne Festivals, Wangaratta, River Festival (Brisbane), Jazz in The Domain, Darling Harbour Jazz fest, Wyndham Estate, Lleuwin Estate, Ascona Jazz Switzerland, Sildajazz Norway and on Tours of Thailand, Europe, Taiwan and the U.S.A. Dan was a finalist in the prestigious 2006 London International Jazz Competition for singers and has two albums under his own name. “The Right Track” and more recently “Point of No Return” featuring his big band. Both are on the La Brava Music label. Dan is currently working on releases three and four both of which will be out later this year.

Dan’s qualities were best described by Kevin Jones, respected music writer for The Australian newspaper and Fine Music magazine: “Dan Barnett is a natural bandleader with the personality and charisma to charm the most demanding of audiences. Add his talents as a fine, swinging vocalist and an excellent trombone player, and you have the complete package To hear him in a big band context is one of the most satisfying sounds in Australian music”.

More information at

www.danbarnett.com.au

and

www.myspace.com/danbarnettbigband

“Wow, 5 favourite gigs, you gotta be kidding, what a hard ask - I dunno! I have to say there are a few which maybe should have made the cut so I will just mention what they were before you get the 5 who did. Whatever happened all these gigs changed me in some way and deserve an honourable mention. P Funk allstars – New York City 1992, Steve Turre at his house in Jersey August 2001, Taikoz - Angel place, Jeremy Borthwick’s exposed Bone @ Jazzgroove, my dad at Three Weeds Balmain, Betty Carter – Basement, Andy Bey – Winebanc, Tom Baker – Strawberry Hills, Dan Barrett (yes Barrett) – Bob Barnard Jazz Party 2006, Vince Jones - anytime, Wayne Shorter - New York, Kurt Elling – first Aussie tour, Bobby Mcferrin – LA, John Allred – Ascona jazz fest 05, Chick Corea – New York, Hank Jones trio with Joe Lovano – New York, Mingus Big Band time Café,- New York, Urbie Green - Sydney Conservatorium and Basement. I loved ‘em all.”

1. SARAH VAUGHAN - Sydney Opera House

Sarah Vaughan was getting on a bit. I reckon I was about 15 when my mum took me to see her. That was the night I realized I wanted to sing. Sarah sang “Send in the Clowns”, a song I have never particularly liked and my mum and I sat there and wept I have no idea what happened to me but realized how powerful interpretation was and will never forget it.

2.TONY WILLIAMS – Catalinas L.A. 1992

After back-packing around Europe and America, drummer Graham Hilgendorf and I were heading back home via LA. It must have been our last night and we went to see Tony Williams. It was the most incredible music I have ever heard live. The thing that really grabbed me was his passion for the music and the intensity with which he played it. The soloing of all the guys was incredible and the communication was great as well. I must say it was probably the loudest jazz gig I have ever been to but definitely one of the best. We begged the door lady to let us stay for the second set without paying and she did. Tony was as cool as all get out, strutting around in the break with these 2 gorgeous looking ladies and a cigar that was as long as he was tall or maybe short, looking like one of those pimps in a Dirty Harry movie. It was unforgettable he played so amazingly well. Wallace Roney- Trumpet, Bill Pierce – Sax, Mulgrew Miller Piano and Ira Coleman on Bass

3.MARK MURPHY – Live at Club 606 London August 15 2005.

Mark has long been one of my heroes. He invited me down to his gig which was both his and my last night in London. I sat there with two other Aussies, guitarist - David Blenkhorn and singer - Nina Ferro, in awe of this incredible storyteller that just made standards sound like he had written them ( I guess that’s the trick isn’t it). He was then 73 years old and still so on top of his game. The crowd went absolutely nuts. The highlight for me was when Mark invited me to sit in I have never felt so nervous but wasn’t going to let the opportunity slip what a buzz. He is still so passionate about jazz and where he sees it heading and is forever trying to change things like a true improviser. He is one person that continually inspires me. The other cats were Pete Churcill – piano, Andy Hempill – bass, Mark Fletcher - drums

4.STEVE TURRE with McCOY TYNER LATIN BAND - Blue Note NYC 2002

Steve Turre has that totally unmistakeable sound on the bone and to finally get to a gig and sit in front of him and I mean right under his spit valve was mind blowing. What a player -time, sound, ideas and the shell thing I really dug as well. McCoy Tyner was as great as ever and I really enjoyed Dave Valentin on the flute. The band had loads of fire and energy.

5. MILES DAVIS OR JAMES BROWN?

Readers, you can pick number five [because] I can’t. Miles Davis or James Brown go on I dare you! Miles Davis Sydney Entertainment Centre. Wow! He could have just stood there. I would have loved it just for the bragging rights but the gig was great. Killer band and Miles still with that incredible sound. What a vibe, he came out and the place erupted like it was a rock concert. James Brown Hordern Pavillion, Sydney 1988. My wife Elisa bought me tickets for my birthday and we were so excited. Not only was James and the band on fire, he had the great Fred Wesley (bone) and Maceo Parker (alto) on the gig. What a groove! I never thought I could dance!