THE AMAZING BRASS SECTION

The brass or horn section is a very intricate & exciting appendage to the band. They are usually only booked for large shows or for major support shows. They do come at a cost, however the overall cost of the band for such a large outfit, with this vast depth of experience, is very competitive compared to what is available elsewhere.

 The horns are made up from some of the best players around including:-

Davey Rankin (Trombone & Vocals) is known through out Australia, in the Jazz, Blues & contemporary music scene. Originally from Melbourne he recorded with Sny Chambers Bayside Band with Judith Durham on vocals. They had a number one hit with “Steptoe & Son,” with TV appearances on “Penthouse Club” & “ABC variety shows.” Dave also featured in Adelaide where he had recording & TV success again with Abraham Lott Blues Band on “Teen Time”.

They toured extensively, playing with many of Adelaide’s top Jazz & Blues Bands. Moving back to Melbourne, he led the famous “Rankin File Band”, recording for Jazzart label, before moving to Sydney where he worked in the club scene. Dave now lives in Lismore & works regularly from Brisbane to the Gold Coast. He is truly a great entertainer, & it is a real pleasure to have him in the band.

Colin Jones (Trumpet) was born in Byron Bay when it was still very much a rural town, & commenced playing there in a local brass band. He moved to Grafton & then eventually he was ready for “the big smoke,” Sydney, where he studied composition & harmony with Ramon Hanson, & Trumpet with Arthur Stender, the then Professor of Trumpet at the Sydney Conservatorium.

His first professional gig was with Tommy Steele in 1959, touring Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane & Sydney. He stayed in Sydney, working the clubs, & deputised for players at Channel Seven in the days when television hired bands!

He has played behind legends such as Nat Cole & Frank Sinatra at the Stadium, & toured  with Winifred Atwell. During this period he had a two year stint at Chequers Night Club, which featured many international acts. Sunday evenings he would play at the famous El Rocco in Kings Cross, with Mike Nock & Col Nolan.

It was time for a change, & he left Australia for the U.K., remaining overseas for 15

years, once again playing at various clubs in & around London, including Ronnie Scotts.

On returning to Oz, Colin settled on the Gold Coast where he owned a jazz restaurant for several years, he now works freelance between Brisbane & the Gold Coast.

His effect on the audience is quit amazing, it would seem that after any solo this man takes, the audience applaud wildly. The average Australian audience do not applaud individual solos for nothing. This man is nothing short of a national treasure.

Mal Capewell (Saxophone, Flute, Clarinet, Oboe & Bassoon) Born & educated in London & has been a lecturer in music in Australia & England from the early 60’s. He has been the band leader on several world tours on Ocean Liners. He has also toured U.K., Europe & U.S.A. with a variety of acts including Aretha Franklin, Yes, DaDa & Iron Butterfly.

In Australia Mal has featured in movies, plays, bands & recordings. He has played music with the who’s who of Australian Rock, Blues & Rock & Roll, including Carson, Chain, Phil Manning, Renee Geyer, Billy Thorpe, Little River Band, Barry Veith Big Band, Kush, Melbourne Show Band & the list goes on.

When an international act tours Australia, Mal is always sought after. The variety has included the Legendary Muddy Waters on his only Australian tour to Leon Russel. Mal was at Sunbury festival twice & Cannes Film festival to name but a few.

In films, records & plays he features in Mad Max, various surfing docos, Chain (2), Garrison 1 & 2, Sunbury Pop festival, Carson, Ferretts, Rocky Horror show (18 months) & Ned Kelly show (Sydney & Adelaide) with Reg Livermore. He literally, has done it all !

We are very proud to have the Brass men in the band when required...