Jazify

JAZZIFY with songbird Teri Welles

“If you feeling blue, all you’ve got to do is Jazzify!”

With diverse musical skills and life experience, the Jazzify combo puts their own special spin on an ever-increasing range of jazzy, bluesy, classic, popular, “swingin’ and  rockin’ croons and tunes” drawn from music greats such as Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong, Natalie Cole, the Beatles, Van Morrison, Paul Simon, Michael Buble, Elvis and many more, plus a few originals. Whatever the song may be, Jazzify’s priority is good quality music for good times.

Since 2010, Jazzify’s band members have played throughout the Southern Downs at Warwick’s Jumpers & Jazz and Stanthorpe’s Apple & Grape Harvest Festivals, as well Toowoomba Jazz Society, Stanthorpe Art Gallery, wineries, weddings, functions and special events.

Jazzify boasts a lineup of fine musicians.

Teri Welles (vocals), Jazzify’s songbird, is known across the Southern Downs for her warm, personal song stylings. Born in the USA, Teri has called Australia home for more than half her life. Singing solo, in duos, bands and on albums, Teri’s experience includes jazz, soft rock, country rock and folk. She is well-known in the Granite Belt as a singer, visual artist, member of the One Song choir and a life member of Stanthorpe Little Theatre.

“I have always loved to sing. It makes me happy - even when I’m singing sad songs.” said Teri. “I’m genuinely thrilled we can be part of this year’s Social Impact in the Regions event.”

Graham Muller (keyboard) trained in classical piano from a young age. After finding jazz while playing in the Royal Australian Navy Band, Graham spent years honing his jazz skills on piano and keyboard. As a well-respected, sought-after musician, and all-around nice guy, Graham has played for numerous bands and events around the Southern Downs, Warwick and Toowoomba, also providing arrangements and charts for his fellow musicians.

Andrew Johnson (bass) For over 30 years, Andrew’s professional music journey has been characterised by versatility, from symphony and ballet orchestras to big bands, jazz, funk, soul and Latin ensembles, musical theatre and session recording. The earliest part of his career was all about the trumpet but living in London for a while gave him a fresh perspective and motivation to take bass more seriously – and Andrew is a seriously good bass player. Andrew now performs and records with a number of artists and groups and Jazzify if lucky he lives in the Granite Belt.

Bill Croft (saxophone & clarinet) has been playing jazz since the British Revivalist era. He has played all around the world, including the USA, London, and Moscow. He first played in Australia in Hobart with the popular Sullivan Cove Jazz Band and while Brisbane-based, he played for the very first Jumpers & Jazz Festival. He eventually moved to Warwick, adding his smooth, melodic style to bands ever since.

Steve Clark (drums), is a very talented musician, songwriter/composer, artist, storyteller and primary school supply teacher. He likes telling stories with his original music. In recent years he has played drums for bands in festivals and events in and around Warwick.