Magee branches out from piano playing

Monday August 3, 1998

ALL THAT JAZZ

by Michael Foster

 VOICE lessons from Gery Scott have inspired Tony Magee to branch out from piano playing.

He has formed a “flexible” band to back him as singer, and called the compact version Watch What Happens and the larger 8 piece ensemble, Ultra Lounge.

“First and foremost, my main inspiration was to preserve the Sinatra legacy.” Magee said.

“Also, I have a fondness for Latin Amercian standards, particularly as performed by Dean Martin and Astrid Gilberto, and the songs of Jobim. Plus, I’m a Mel Tormé and Jack Jones freak, so they are another big influence on my singing style and repertoire choice.

“From Gery, her main focus has been on phrasing and diction, as well as building confidence in extending my upper range. Also, she has helped me with breath control so much. My first singing teacher, David Parker, drummed all that into me as well.

“Something else which made a huge impact on me, was a master-class I attended with American jazz singing icon Mark Murphy. You and Gery organised that Michael! 

“He made us all lie down on the floor and then stepped on us all, with his foot firmly placed on our diaphragms, highlighting the significance of the pressure needed to sustain breath control.”   

The band can vary from quartet upwards or outwards and so far has included Andrew Hackwill on alto sax, Andrew Piper on trumpet and flugelhorn, Lane Moore and Rod Harding on trombone, Greg Stott on guitar, Wayne Kelly and Rose Eirlert on keyboards, Brendan Clarke, Duncan Brown or Scott Dodd on bass, Colin Hoorweg on percussion and Matt Moore or Mark Sutton on drums.

First published in The Canberra Times, August 3, 1998