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10:03AM Friday 29 August, 2008 Sunshine Coast weather Possible shower min 12° - max 22°

Ed slides into town

8 August 2008

| By Nicola Kerkenezov

Good music is all about making people happy.

And that is exactly what musician Ed Wilson is planning when he hits town next month with Jeff Duff and an 18-piece big band for the Noosa Jazz Festival.

The event kicks off in Hastings Street from September 4-7 and is bursting with top headliners: Jackson Jackson, Los Delincuente All Stars, Watussi, The Bamboos, The Hoodangers, The Moods, Society Syncopators, Sweet Lowdowns, Yvette Johansson, Joe Ruberto Trio, and many more.

Ed, who is a self- described “on-and-off-again Noosa regular”, has played trombone with some of the biggest names in showbiz – Frank Sinatra, Sammi Davis junior, Liza Minelli, Tony Bennett, Tom Jones, and many more.

“I was attracted to big bands as they were all the rage when I was growing up. We played in clubs and did television work. It was a good era,” the big-band leader said.

“I loved playing with Sinatra. My hair stood up on end when he walked out on stage that first tour, with all the audience yelling. There was nothing but trouble with the press but he was great to us, throwing us a huge party.

“Sammi Davis junior was also very encouraging to us. He let me photocopy his music and that is how I started my library.”

Most people will remember Ed from his days with the Daly/Wilson Big Band (1970s and 1980s), which was fronted by such singers as Marcia Hines, Kerry Biddell and the great Ricky May.

At this upcoming event, Noosa audiences can expect a “high-tempo, jazz, punchy, big-band and in-your-face show” with songs ranging from international classics such as Try a Little Tenderness, What a Wonderful World to Australian pop.

“The most important thing during a performance is to make sure you balance and blend between the sections,” Ed said.

“Also that we are swinging, and we are enjoying ourselves because if we are not enjoying ourselves, it is not worth all the effort!

The big band includes some of Sydney’s hottest jazz musicians such as pianist Tim Jenkins, bassist Kevin Hailey, drummer Andy Davies, and trumpeter Danny May with the 10-piece Cat Scratch horn section.

And out front will be showman Jeff Duff.

“He is way out but when it comes to singing, Jeff is very professional and does his homework,” Ed said.

“We are looking forward to coming to Noosa and bringing a hot big band, lots of fun and lots of music to make people happy.”

For more program information or to buy a daily pass, call Tickevent on 1300 797 723 or go to www.usmevents.com.au.

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