Now in its 13th year the Great Tropical Jazz Party on Magnetic Island from 11 to 13 September is set to bring back to Magnetic a quality and breadth of musical performance rarely seen these days even in the major cities.

Last year, Paul Bollenback, the New York based, world-renowned jazz guitarist, composer and arranger, told Magnetic Times, "This is a fantastic festival. I play at festivals all over the world and the atmosphere is unparalleled. It's a place where musos from all over the world can meet musos from Australia.”

Paul and partner, Chris McNulty aren't back this year but there is plenty of quality to take their place. Like, John Hoffman, one of Australia's finest jazz trumpeters who has played with Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, Glenn Miller/Buddy de Franco Orchestra, and backed a who's who of the great jazz singers of our time including Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, Mel Torme, Sarah Vaughan and Tony Bennett.

John Hoffman told Magnetic Times, "I think it's an unusually strong throwback to the jazz festivals that happened years ago that weren't only about music and musicians but the town that the festival was part of.”

This year over 40 of the finest Australian and overseas musicians are performing at the GTJP which is, as usual, held amidst the lush tropical surroundings of the All Seasons Magnetic Island (formerlly Magnetic International Resort)

Visiting from New Zealand are the New Zealand All Stars; from Adelaide, the quintet Etype Jazz. From Sydney are the Neilsen Gough Quartet, Wanderlust, Smith/Mackey Quartet and Blame the Bossa.

John Hoffman's Brisbane based, Hoffman/Newcomb Quintet will be playing along with Melbourne band Blow. This impressive visiting line-up will be supported by the best of Townsville talent, the Bob Passmore Quintet with special guests.

An eclectic mix of jazz styles will be presented in three concerts, starting Friday night at 7pm. The Saturday and Sunday afternoon concerts, 12noon – 6pm each, feature six poolside performances in a relaxed tropical setting.

Between sets enjoy the a-capella youth choir a.k.a.Pel, from Mackay.

With a choice of dining restaurant or poolside, the afternoon sessions are intimate, laid back and friendly.

Etype Jazz will present a special concert at 8pm Saturday, followed by the very popular Jam Session and partying as only jazz fans and musicians can. Sunday night is the “Join the Musicians” wind down dinner and jam session.

As festival organizer, Marilyn Sheather explained, “Apart from the exceptional talent of the visiting musicians, the uniqueness of the Great Tropical Jazz Party lies in the fact that all performances are held at the one venue, enabling the musicians to interact and enjoy the holiday atmosphere and the many opportunities to sit in with other great players and have a wonderful time.." This clearly shows in the performances.

The weekend pass is $60 and covers all sessions. Individual day passes will also be available. Further information can be obtained by contacting the Magnetic Jazz Association. Phone: 07 4778 5918
E-mail: magneticjazz@hotkey.net.au
Web: www.magneticislandjazz.org

Following is the flyer for the GTJP which is soon to be circulated on Magnetic Island

Friday 11 September
7pm: New Zealand All Stars
8pm: Neilsen Gough Quartet – Sydney
9pm: Blow – Melbourne
10pm: Smith/Mackey Quartet – Sydney

Saturday 12th
12md: Passmore Quintet - Townsville/Sydney
1 pm: Hoffman/Newcomb Quintet- Brisbane.
2 pm: Smith/Mackey Quartet – Sydney
3 pm: Blame The Bossa – Sydney
4 pm: Blow – Melbourne
5 pm: Wanderlust - Sydney/Canberra

Evening
6pm: Dinner music by guitarist Dave Smith in MacArthur’s Restaurant
8pm: Concert Cleveland Room
Etype Jazz - followed by Jam Session

Sunday 13th
12 md: Wanderlust - Sydney/Canberra
1pm: New Zealand All Stars
2pm: Neilsen Gough Quartet - Sydney
3pm: Etype Jazz – Adelaide
4pm: Blame The Bossa – Sydney
5pm: Hoffman/Newcomb Quintet -Brisbane

Evening
6pm Wind-down dinner with musicians
Informal jam session in MacArthur’s restaurant

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