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Garth Ploog ~ Live at Federation Square, Melbourne Sept 2008
Melbourne born, Garth Ploog, is a dynamic jazz singer-songwriter who is the Classic of Today's world. Compared to Harry Connick Jnr, Michael Buble, Jamie Callum & Brian Culbertson, he pushes musical boundaries, blending pop & traditional jazz sounds with a Big Band rhythm. His sensual, dynamic, live performances leave you wanting more.He is an authentic artist who brings his own spice of life to the classic genre of Jazz, enticing a broad range of fans, both young and old.
Garth has appeared in musicals and TV series such as Neighbours and Australian Idol. In 2004 he was the youngest male to perform on the show and reached the wildcard final. His music has been used in films, he has hosted his own radio show, performed at Major Sporting events such as the Australian Basketball League, the Australian Football League's Grand Final activities and enjoys nothing more than playing for his fans, both at home and abroad.
At 22 years of age Garth is a singer, songwriter, dancer, actor whose approach to his music is to create fresh, inspiring original music to which people can dance, sing and get involved with.
Garth has been creating an underground swell and attracting the eye of a number of major players in the USA and Asian market. Over the past 12 months, Garth has been travelling between New York and Australia in preparation for his assault on the American market
On behalf of Garth, Vintrix Entertainment appointed New York based Larry Dvoskin as Producer of his up and coming album. Larry, a 4 times Grammy nominated songwriter and producer has worked with greats such as Ricky Martin, David Bowie, Sting, Chicago, Santana, Beach Boys, Sheryl Crow and now Garth Ploog. Garth has also collaborated with Simon Kirk.
Garth recorded at Hugh Pool's Excello Studios in New York. Joining him on the album was the Marco Panascia Band consisting of Marco Panascia on Bass, Luca Santaniello on drums and Yotam Silberstein on guitar; their performance credits include Quincey Jones, Herbie Hancock & Jo Lavano. Horn section Antonio Dangerfield, Isrea Butler and Eric Huff; performance credits include Duke Wellington, The Temptations, Beyonce and Gloria Gaynor. Backing Vocals Audrey Martells and Neal Crooner; performance credits include Billy Joel, Sting, Sheryl Crow, Dolly Parton, Britney Spears, Brandy, Anastacia and Celine Dion.
On his last trip to the United States, Garth made appearances in New York at Jim Caruso's Cast Party at Birdland, Bitter End and in LA at Room 5, Sportsman Club and Culumbo's. He performed a number of special appearances with the legandary Dini Clarke, who has performed with Billy Holliday, Eartha Kitt and is Roberta Flack's Voice coach.
Performing his own original & unique funk jazz style, Garth has been working with Asia's greatest musicians, the likes of Steve Hadley, (Bass); Chris Pappas, (Sax); Ben Cripps, (Guitar) and Gerry Pantazis, (drums). Between them they have played with greats such as Human Nature, Marcia Hines, Renee Geyer, Kate Ceberano, Bachelor Girl, and composed for many TV series and stage musicals including Mamma Mia. Steve is an Aria Award winner for his involvement in the film, Lantana.
Educated in vocals, piano, drums and rhythm guitar, Garth likes to incorporate as many of his skills into a live show for his fans. His live stage shows are dynamic masterful performances, engaging his audience, creating intimate moments, high energy and rhythm through his sensual stage presence and captivating voice.
When not traveling abroad, Garth's more traditional jazz style can be heard when he performs with Australia's renowned "ambassador of soul" Mr John Montesante and his quintet (JMQ) and the funky Grand Wazoo Paying tribute to the BeBop era and timeless jazz classics, the JMQ includes not only Garth but other fine guest jazz musicians such as Wilbur Wilde & Gil Askey.
Garth's Management team (Vintrix Entertainment) was part of an Austrade/Melbourne City Council Delegation to China, where they commenced negotiations with venues in Shanghai, Tianjin and Beijing in preparation for Garth's Asian tour on the completion of his first album. Garth has produced a catalogue of original works, which is available for publishing.
When back in his home town of Melbourne, Garth can be seen playing in Melbourne's piano bars, such as the sophisticated Park Hyatt, Radii Bar, Fitzroy's funky entertainment space, The Artery through to leading Jazz venues such as Manchester Lane, The Blue Diamond and Paris Cat. To accommodate his large fan base Garth performs at one of Melbourne's elegant performance establishments, Ormond Hall.
His big heart has seen him support many philanthropic causes such as the Prevention of Youth Suicide, The Great Walk to Beijing, a project to raise funds for the creation of The Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre, Lillian Frank's Chef's Dinner for the Royal Children's Hospital and the Australian Olympic Committee's Black Tie, Gala Event for the Aussie, Beijing Olympic Athletes.
He has a great commitment to health and fitness and was selected in the 2006 Team of the Year for the Riddells Creek Australian Rules Football League. However his love of music took him from the Football paddock onto the stage to pursue his true passion, music.
The only proof needed of Garth’s talents is to listen to his music, catch one of his shows and be engulfed by his contagious energy.
Garth is dressed by Melbourne Motorola Spring Fashion Week designers Clemente-Talarico
“It is becoming increasingly difficult to decide where jazz starts or where it stops, where Tin Pan Alley begins and jazz ends, or even where the borderline lies between classical music and jazz. I feel there is no boundary line.†Duke Ellington
Birdland with Jim Caruso NYNYAdd to My Profile | More Videos
All Photography by Loredana Crupi
Keep an eye out on Second Life for upcoming Garth Ploog Virtual performances