Red Onion Jazz Band

Biography

The Red Onion Jazz Band was a prominent traditional jazz ensemble formed in Melbourne, Australia, around 1960. Originally named the Gin Bottle Jazz Band, the group was inspired by the Yarra Yarra Jazz Band and led by drummer Allan Browne and trumpeter Brett Iggulden. The band's early lineup drew from the bayside suburbs of Melbourne and included musicians such as Kim Lynch (tea-chest bass), Bill Howard (trombone), Felix Blatt (banjo), and John Pike (piano). Their energetic performances and unique blend of humor and musicality quickly made them a fixture in the local jazz scene, with regular gigs at venues like the Oxford Jazz Club and their own Red Onion Jazz Club in Brighton.

The Red Onion Jazz Band gained national attention in the 1960s, releasing several well-received recordings on W&G Records and Swaggie Records. Their style was rooted in traditional New Orleans jazz, characterized by lively ensemble playing, spirited solos, and a sense of theatricality. The band underwent several lineup changes, with notable members including Gerry Humphrys (clarinet, vocals), Rainer Breit (banjo), and Ian Clyne (piano). In 1967, the group embarked on a 10-month European tour, further cementing their reputation as one of Australia's leading jazz bands. After a hiatus in the 1970s, the band reunited in the 1980s and continued to perform at festivals and special events until their final appearances in the 1990s and a brief reunion in 2008.

The Red Onion Jazz Band's legacy lies in their role as pioneers of the Australian jazz revival, influencing a generation of musicians and helping to establish Melbourne as a center for traditional jazz. Their alumni went on to form influential groups such as The Loved Ones, and their recordings remain highly regarded among jazz enthusiasts for their authenticity and exuberance.

Fun Facts

• The band was originally called the Gin Bottle Jazz Band, but changed its name to Red Onion Jazz Band at the insistence of TV executives for a more 'respectable' image.
• The name 'Red Onion Jazz Band' was chosen in honor of an early Louis Armstrong recording group.
• Their energetic stage antics, long hair, and theatrical performances caused a stir at the 17th Jazz Convention in Sydney in 1962.
• After a major lineup split in 1965, three members left to form the influential Australian rock group The Loved Ones.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Norm Hodges - Drum teacher to Allan Browne, founding drummer (Melbourne University Jazz Band (influence)) [circa 1960]
• Ade Monsbourgh - Trumpet teacher to Brett Iggulden, founding trumpeter (Australian jazz recordings (influence)) [circa 1960]
• Yarra Yarra Jazz Band - Primary stylistic inspiration for the band's formation (Live performances, recordings) [late 1950s–early 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Brett Iggulden - Founding member, trumpet and vocals (All band recordings and performances) [1960–1974, 1983–1996, 2008]
• Allan Browne - Founding member, drums (All band recordings and performances) [1960–1974, 1983–1996, 2008]
• Kim Lynch - Original tea-chest bass/tuba player, later joined The Loved Ones (Band recordings, cover art for debut LP) [1960–1965]
• Gerry Humphrys - Clarinet, vocals, violin; later co-founder of The Loved Ones (Band recordings, performances) [1962–1965]
• Ian Clyne - Pianist, later joined The Loved Ones (Band recordings, performances) [1963–1965]
• Bill Howard - Trombone, vocals, founding member (All band recordings and performances) [1960–1974, 1983–1996, 2008]
• John Scurry - Banjo, guitar (joined after 1965 split) (Performances, later recordings) [1965–1974, 1983–1996]
• Richard Miller - Clarinet (joined after 1965 split) (Performances, later recordings) [1965–1974, 1983–1996]

Artists Influenced

• The Loved Ones - Formed by former Red Onion members (Humphrys, Lynch, Clyne), pioneering Australian rock (The Loved Ones' recordings) [1965–1967]
• Melbourne jazz musicians - Inspired a generation of traditional jazz players in Australia (Local jazz scene, festival bands) [1960s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Cake Walking Babies From Home (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
2. Terrible Blues (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
3. Of All the Wrongs You've Done To Me (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
4. Santa Claus Blues (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
5. Nobody Knows The Way I Feel This Morning (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
6. Texas Moaner Blues (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
7. Early Every Mornin' (Louis Armstrong And King Oliver)
8. The Santa Claus Blues - New Orleans Version (The Santa Claus Blues (New Orleans Version))
9. Santa Claus Blues (Blues Christmas Songs)
10. Santa Claus Blues (BD Music Presents Christmas Jazz)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia