Adam Hall and The Velvet Playboys
Since 2005, Adam Hall and The Velvet Playboys have become somewhat of an institution of the Perth music scene and renowned for their captivating live performances, slick presentation and raw energy.
Alongside Adam (Vocals, Trumpet) it features some of Western Australia’s finest musicians, including:
Mark Turner (Saxophone, Guitar, Vocals)
Anthony Dodos (Trombone)
Bronton Ainsworth (Drums)
Kane Shaw (Bass)
Tim Voutas (Keys)
The band’s repertoire is rooted in the Jazz and Rhythm & Blues music of the 40’s and 50’s, inspired by artists such as Louis Prima, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Ray Charles, Jackie Wilson and Chuck Berry to Harry Connick Jr and The Blues Brothers. They also include a large library of Adam Hall originals and unique arrangements, which can be found on their five albums:
I’ve Got News For You (2007, feat. Big Jay McNeely)
When It’s Party Time Down South (2011, feat. Richard Jackson and Rick Smith)
It’s You, It’s Me (2012, feat. Jessie Gordon)
The Rhythm Spectacular - The Music of Beyoncé (2014, feat. Jessie Gordon and Yara Neto)
With You (2016)
Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys have been a hit at major festivals and events around Australia, including The Narooma Great Southern Blues Festival (NSW), Wintersun (Qld), Melbourne Lindy Exchange (VIC), Alice Springs Cup Ball (NT), Fairbridge Folk Festival, Shinju Matsuri Pearl Festival, and Bridgetown Blues (all WA).
In 2008 they toured with legendary US Rhythm & Blues saxophonist Big Jay McNeely and played shows with legends Syl Johnson and Betty Harris, opening for artists such as UB40 and Nile Rogers.
Performing with Big Jay, 2008
They’ve build up a steady following performing throughout Europe and Asia since 2013; playing at the Blue Note (Osnabruck, Germany), Aachner Vieher (Cologne, Germany), Grand Blues Jam (Bergkamen, Germany), Vienna Blues Festival (Austria), Les Caveau de Augustins (Bayonne, France), Rockin Race Jamboree (Spain), Le Groot Verlof (Belgium), Benenwerk (Belgium), Bergmannstrassefest (Germany), the Sultan Jazz Club (Singapore) and City Hall (Hong Kong)
Playing at the Yorckschlösschen in Berlin, Germany 2015
The band currently holds weekly residencies at Perth’s Laneway Lounge, and The Mustang Bar in Northbridge. In June 2016 they toured Europe and Asia again.
AWARDS
2010 WAMI Award nominee Best Jazz Act
2012 WAMI Award finalist Best Jazz Act
2013 Bluesnews Poll 2013 Winner BEST ALBUM (National – German)
2013 Bluesnews Poll 2013 5th overall (International)
2014 WA Winner of Fringe World RTRFM 92.9 Music Award
2014 2nd Runner up of the Fringe World RTRFM 92.9 Music Award
2017 Fringe World Nominee Best Music / Musical Act
REVIEWS
“I’ve been told that jazz is an open-ended kind of music, designed for an open kind of mind. One doesn’t realise the magical potential of jazz until they’ve heard the dynamic sound that is Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys” – West Australian
“I can add to the list the outstanding showmanship of Australian Jazz Heroes, Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys” – Australian Stage
Adam Hall & The Velvet Playboys CDs are available on iTunes and CD Baby, at any of their live gigs, online here or via email: adam@adamhall.com.au