About the OZCATS
Ozcats Personnel
Bob Barnard
Trevor Rippingale
Paul Furniss
Dan Barnett
Laurie Thompson
Dave Macrae
John Blenkhorn
Stan Valacos
Our Band leader passed away, whilst doing what he loved in July 2008. Click here to view all about this inspirational musician and Australian Jazz legend who we all miss greatly.
Swinging Aussies Playing the Fabulous Jazz of Bob Crosby’s Bobcats!
Enthused by revisiting Bob Crosby Bobcats’ recordings of the 1930’s and 40’s a select group of Sydney musicians joined forces to replicate the distinctive and exhilarating Bobcat sound.
As individuals each musician is outstanding in his ability to recreate the original style yet put his own influence on the music. They relish recreating the tight intricate ensembles and exuberant swinging solos as played by the original Bobcat music masters who together made jazz history
The group made their debut with high distinction at the Mittagong Jazz Festival 2006 and a few months later was honoured to perform at the historic 100th Anniversary of the Professional Musicians Club. Other triumphant performances that year were for the Manly Jazz Festival, Central Leagues Jazz Club and the Sydney Jazz Club.
2007 saw the production of their first CD: The Ozcats Salute the Bobcats. Audio engineered by Anthony Howe, who also designed the artwork and packaging, the CD has been well promoted by Jazz Radio Programs throughout Australia. John Shand, writing for the Sydney Morning Herald, gave it a 4 star rave review.