In a marriage of strange bedfellows come together two very different acts for an afternoon of exceptional musicality, entertainment and variety. Highly acclaimed Sydney songstress Rachel Collis along with her trio will join forces with virtuoso jazz clarinetist Jack Wiard and his trio in a celebration of collaboration and diversity.
Rachel Collis (vocals & piano)
Michael Galeazzi (bass)
Mike Quigley (drums)
Jack Wiard (clarinet)
Jim Elliott (bass saxophone)
Cliff Parsons (banjo)
Rachel Collis is no stranger to variety. Since stepping into the musical spotlight in 2012, she has gathered quite the reputation for her unforgettable live performances, drawing comparisons as diverse as songwriting legend Joni Mitchell and funny man Tim Minchin. Rachel moves seamlessly between earnest folk storytelling and humour, showcasing her exceptional versatility as a songwriter, her fine ear for melody, and her poetic lyrical talent.
Jack Wiard has been part of the Sydney jazz scene for over 40 years..He worked with Nick Boston's Colonial Jazz Band [1973-75, and left H.S. teaching to join the Ray Price Quintet. From 1979 -2004 he played with the Graeme Bell All Stars, and the Sydney-Zenith Jazz Band [1998-2006]. He currently works with the Robbers Dogs Jazz Band, Mike Hallam's Hot Six, and Geoff Power's Classic Jazz Band. He also leads his own groups and appears on 45 recordings.
“…sheer genius […] the versatility and prodigy of Collis’ songwriting.” - Lloyd Bradford Syke
“Each song unfolds surprisingly…always holding the audience in its grip… touching, thoughtful, satirical, ironic and downright hilarious.” - Theatre People
"...refreshingly funny... beautiful piano and the sort of voice that would stop a show..." - Heckler Read
"Not only does [Rachel] possess a linguistic gift, but a profound talent for storytelling, structure (melody, harmony, rhythm) and orchestration. She's a one-off; an original. She's Stephen Sondheim, Groucho Marx and Blossom Dearie. She's the Tower of Pisa. The smile on the Mona Lisa. She's the top." - Australian Stage
"...sheer genius. Imagine the love-child of a ménage à trois between, mmm, I don't know, maybe Sondheim, Midler & Minchin. You're getting close to the unpredictable versatility and prodigy of Collis' songwriting." - Australian Stage
"For this consummate entertainer it is not a challenge to connect complete strangers in the audience with honest, unconventional and humane humour..." - Megaphone Oz
"...all ages will relate to Rachel's emotional life stripped bare..." - Sydney Fringe
