Jon and Wendy Wade
There is a lot of variety within the Wades’ performance. You’ve got the traditional chamber jazz mixed with full on swing, along with their original tunes imbued with authentic classic standards.
Influences from Count Basie, George Shearing, Jacky Byard, pianist, to Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and Etta James can be heard in their uncomplicated jazzy ballads as they perform standards from early 60s including classics from Cole Porter, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, and latter day Van Morrison.
It invokes a delightful journey of memories of that great era with modern day overtones.
If you are in the mood for a classy duo, performing modern and older classics from Van Morrison, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Frank Sinatra plus many more then keep an eye out for them or come on down to The Leaf and Bean. Wendy’s voice is superb and Jon’s Hammond playing is magical.
JON WADE - keys/vocals
Jon is regarded as one of the country’s finest jazz pianists. In his youth, he worked extensively throughout England, Europe and Australia, including Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Savoy Hotel in London and the Casino in Monte Carlo. He also worked for many years at the BBC radio and television stations in the UK.
Work in Australia has included Sydney Opera House, Melbourne Concert Hall and most of the larger hotels in Melbourne and Queensland. Most recently, he has performed at wineries, private functions and Jazz Festivals throughout Australia. With two original albums to his credit, Jon is a brilliant songwriter/arranger AND a true entertainer and performer!
WENDY WADE - vocals
A prior student of Classical Singing and member of many theatre productions and vocal groups, encompassing many different styles, Wendy has found her niche in jazz.
She has performed with Jon for around the last nine years at Jazz Festivals, Hotels and private functions. Through her experience, she has developed her own style and her soulful, passionate renditions of Jazz Standards capture the imagination of audiences of all ages.