Music
Press
To Listen To Garth's Radio Interviews please go to the audio section.
- ABC Radio Australia
At the 2008 Grammys, Herbie Hancock put Jazz back in the minds of the music industry and the Billboard Charts. Another artist aiming to do the same is Melbourne’s very own Garth Ploog.
Garth Ploog is not just singing old songs he is a singer songwriter who is capturing the essence of the classics and putting his own contemporary style into his originals for today’s audience. He is signed to Australian based Indie Label, Vintrix Entertainment, who is currently negotiating joint venture deals with USA industry players.
Garth returned from New York having worked on his debut album with a 4 times Grammy nominated producer, who has worked with greats such as Ricky Martin, David Bowie, Sting, Chicago, Santana, Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow and now Garth Ploog. Garth has also collaborated with Simon Kirk who is on the Grammy Committee and tours with Ringo Starr
Vintrix Entertainment and Garth have traveled to New York and LA over the past 18 months creating and nurturing their relationships with Music heavy weights and A list musicians some of whom have performed with the likes of Herbie Hancock, Jo Lavano , Duke Wellington and Quincy Jones. The USA was selected as the country to launch Ploog, so as to position him for a stable long-term career.
Although forging many of their own contacts by traveling to the States, Vintrix has worked closely with Austrade, in New York and LA and attending their Australian based music and export seminars.
A number of Australian musicians have their eyes on the USA Market. Many attend the infamous South-by-South West held in Austin Texas each year. However, Ploog is proving that there is definitely no replacement for spending enormous amount of time in the USA where he will be launched in early 2009 followed by a USA tour.
Having received great accolades for his performance at the infamous Birdland, New York’s home of Jazz, and now back in his home town, of Melbourne, Garth Ploog is set to enthral Melbourne audiences. His unique jazz funk sound, and original compositions are inspired by the classics and enhanced by his rich silky voice and smooth piano riffs. Through his high-energy performance, Garth Ploog continues to redefine where the parameters of jazz, funk, pop and other musical genres are drawn.
He will be appearing at a Melbourne’s Toff in the Town on Thursday 5th June. At 7.30pm. A show not to missed.
- Melbourne MX Times
Held at the grandiose Ormond Hall, the event precinct of Belgian Beer Cafe Bluestone on a beautiful Friday night, this Youth Vibes charity event featured the sensational Garth Ploog performing some of the hottest traditional jazz standards and fusion new-wave jazz-pop favourites in front of a packed audience. This amazing Melbourne ex-Australian Idol talent crooned, jived, swang, and sang his heart out for the attendees in two 40-minutes-plus sets. Receiving standing ovation for both sets, Garth also showcased some of his own material to a thunderous applause... Whilst it is easy to draw comparisons to Michael Buble and Jamie Callum (Garth even sang one of his signature tunes), Garth has a unique presence that can only be described as, well, Garth Ploog! Go Garth, and Melbourne, check out his myspace/garthploog and go see him live in one of his own gigs before he hit the big time on the international stage! Words & Pics by Antony Young
- My237
Australia's Classic of todays World Jazz performer Garth Ploog, has joined forces in 2008 as a guest vocalist for Australia’s Kings of Soul- GRAND WAZOO. Grandwazoo are a legendary 14+ piece outfit, which passionately pays homage to the great Afro-American Soul and Rhythm & Blues Legends of the late 50s through, 60s, 70s , to early '80s and their music (includes artists such as Ray Charles, Jimi Hendrix, James Brown, Otis Redding, Al Green, Wilson Pickett, Stevie Wonder, Sam Cooke, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave, Prince, Blues Brothers, Joe Cocker, Motown, Aretha Franklin, Ike & Tina Turner, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Betty Harris, Joy Lovejoy, The Supremes, Gladys Knight, The Shirelles, KC & The Sunshine Band, along with iconic bands of the period, such as Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire & Blood Sweat & Tears and others.) There is also an occasional Band Original thrown in to the mix.
Australia’s "Ambassador of Soul", JOHN MONTESANTE, a renowned Musician and Arranger, founded Grand Wazoo in 1981 with a view to educating the Australian public in an artform about which he was passionate—Black Soul—and the outfit has performed consistently since. Montesante’s talent as a world-respected Arranger has been a key factor in Grand Wazoo’s musical excellence and longevity, with all 300+ tunes performed by the band especially arranged by him to suit the line-up.
Fronted by 4 Lead Singers, led by Afro-American Soul Man, WYLIE J MILLER, a permanent 6 piece Horn Section and 4 Rhythm players, GRAND WAZOO plays Montesante’s vibrant orchestrations, and the band is acknowledged as a ‘Soul Institution’; the only one of its particular ilk within Australia. A 'reading' band of the highest calibre, GRAND WAZOO has backed and supported many International and local artists, and fostered talents that have become ‘names’ within the Australian Industry. Virtually all local outfits that have followed in the Soul genre, have taken inspiration from this mighty band.
The most authentic exponents of Soul-Funk-R&B. in the southern hemisphere, with 27 years of non-stop performance, GRAND WAZOO has stood the test of time — for quality presentation, outstanding musicianship, classy performances and unparalleled enjoyment — performed by passionate Soul & Rhythm n Blues artists.
GRAND WAZOO has appeared at numerous Major Events, Venues & Festivals including: Hong Kong 2000 Millennium Celebrations,Victoria 150 Years, Sydney-Hobart Yacht Race, Melbourne Grand Prix Parties, Crown Casino Opening & New Year’s Eve Parties, City of Melbourne, Twilight Concerts in the Park, International Music & Blues Festival, Globe to Globe World Music Festival, Harvest Festival, Skandia Festival, Fine Music Food & Wine Festival, Melb International Jazz Festival, Next Blue, Mercury Lounge, Inflation, Grainstore, Metro, Billboard, Chasers, Carousel, Manchester Lane, SKANC, Prince of Wales, The Espy, The Rainbow, The Palace, Crown Showroom with Max Merritt, No 12, The Palladium, Silvers, Odeon, The Espy, Lindenderry Estate, Park Hyatt, Grand Hyatt, Atlantic:South Wharf & Central Pier, Chevron, Prince Rooftop, Powerhouse, The Basement, Cotton Lounge, Continental Café, Café Deco-Hong Kong, Rivers, LIVE@Crown, The Spot, Gershwin Room, The Blue Diamond and many more...
The Band's 'live' Media appearances over the years have included many TV spots on GMA (Good Morning Australia), Hey Hey It's Saturday, Midday Show, Denise, Don Lane Show,The Footy Show and several radio shows.
The Band is available for Concerts & Festivals, for Corporate & Private Gigs & Awards Nights, for 'live' Media performances and to travel interstate & internationally. The band always works with its full line-up and never cuts down in size- travelling 16.
Grand Wazoo is proud to present its harmonious, multi-racial, multi-cultural line-up.
- Music press
Discography
Streaming Tracks
01. She
02. Nevermind
03. In The Cool of The Evening
04. Blow My Mind
05. Cinnamon Dream
06. Matter of Fact
07. This Magic Moment
08. Settle Down
09. Over & Over
10. All About The Fun
Photos
Bio
Melbourne born, Garth Ploog, is one of Australia’s quiet achievers: a fun loving, authentic artist who brings his own spice of life to the classic genre of Jazz, enticing a broad range of fans, both young and old.
Garth has appeared in musicals and TV series such as Neighbours and Australian Idol. In 2004 he was the youngest male to perform on the show and reached the wildcard final. His music has been used in films, he has hosted his own radio show, performed at Major Sporting events such as the Australian Basketball League, and enjoys nothing more than playing for his fans, both at home and abroad.
At 22 years of age Garth is a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor whose approach to his music is to create fresh, inspiring original music to which people can dance, sing and get involved with.
Garth has been creating an underground swell and attracting the eye of a number of major players in the USA and Asian market. Over the past 12 months, Garth has been travelling between New York and Australia in preparation for his assault on the American market
On behalf of Garth, Vintrix Entertainment appointed New York based Larry Dvoskin as Producer of his up and coming album. Larry, a 4 times Grammy nominated songwriter and producer has worked with greats such as Ricky Martin, David Bowie, Sting, Chicago, Santana, Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow and now Garth Ploog. Garth has also collaborated with Simon Kirk.
Garth recorded at Hugh Pool's Excello Studios in New York. Joining him on the album was the Marco Panascia Band consisting of Marco Panascia on Bass, Luca Santaniello on drums and Yotam Silberstein on guitar; their performance credits include Quincey Jones, Herbie Hancock & Jo Lavano. Horn section Antonio Dangerfield, Isrea Butler and Eric Huff; performance credits include Duke Wellington, The Temptations, Beyonce and Gloria Gaynor. Backing Vocals Audrey Martells and Neal Crooner; performance credits include Billy Joel, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, Brandy, Anastacia and Celine Dion.
On his last trip to the United States, Garth made appearances in New York at Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland, Bitter End and in LA at Room 5, Sportsman Club and Culumbo's. He performed a number of special appearances with the legandary Dini Clarke, who has performed with Billy Holliday, Eartha Kitt and is Roberta Flack's Voice coach.
Performing his own original & unique funk jazz style, Garth has been working with Asia's greatest musicians, the likes of Steve Hadley, (Bass); Chris Pappas, (Sax); Ben Cripps, (Guitar) and Gerry Pantazis, (drums). Between them they have played with greats such as Human Nature, Marcia Hines, Renee Geyer, Kate Ceberano, Bachelor Girl, and composed for many TV series and stage musicals including Mamma Mia. Steve is an Aria Award winner for his involvement in the film, Lantana.
Educated in vocals, piano, drums and rhythm guitar, Garth likes to incorporate as many of his skills into a live show for his fans. His live stage shows are dynamic masterful performances, engaging his audience, creating intimate moments, high energy and rhythm through his sensual stage presence and captivating voice.
When not traveling abroad, Garth's more traditional jazz style can be heard when he performs with Australia's renowned "ambassador of soul" Mr John Montesante and his quintet (JMQ) and the funky Grand Wazoo Paying tribute to the BeBop era and timeless jazz classics, the JMQ includes not only Garth but other fine guest jazz musicians such as Wilbur Wilde & Gil Askey.
Garth's Management team (Vintrix Entertainment) was part of an Austrade/Melbourne City Council Delegation to China, where they commenced negotiations with venues in Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing in preparation for Garth's Asian tour on the completion of his first album. Garth has produced a catalogue of original works, which is available for publishing.
When back in his home town of Melbourne, Garth can be seen playing in Melbourne's piano bars, such as the sophisticated Park Hyatt, Radii Bar, Fitzroy's funky entertainment space, The Artery through to leading Jazz venues such as Manchester Lane, The Blue Diamond and Paris Cat. To accommodate his large fan base Garth performs at one of Melbourne's elegant performance establishments, Ormond Hall.
His big heart has seen him support many philanthropic causes such as the Prevention of Youth Suicide and more recently, The Great Walk to Beijing, a project to raise funds for the creation of The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre
He has a great commitment to health and fitness and was selected in the 2006 Team of the Year for the Riddells Creek Australian Rules Football League. However his love of music took him from the Football paddock onto the stage to pursue his true passion, music.
The only proof needed of Garth’s talents is to listen to his music, catch one of his shows and be engulfed by his contagious energy.
Garth is dressed by Melbourne Motorola Spr
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