Rick Freeman: Game Of Tones Quartet

The Story

Rick Freeman – Piano

Rick is at home swinging hard, playing Latin, the blues or in contemporary and cross over styles plus originals and has a range of influences both jazz and classical.  Bach, Fauré, Marie Schneider, Horace Silver plus local inspirations abound in his style.  He has had residencies over the years both in Melbourne and overseas. He led the very popular jazz and blues sextet called The ‘Game Of Tones’ and the ‘Casa Latina Quartet”. Rick was pianist in residence at the Eco Brick Yard Retreat in Mutianyu for 5 years and played sax in the End of The World Original Punk Ska band. He is a former Director of Music at Blackburn High School and former Assistant Director of Music at Balwyn High School, having directed jazz ensembles there and at Balwyn High School. He is the accompanist at De La Salle College and teaches piano and clarinet, and is accompanist for the Athenaeum Choir, directed by Bill Simmons.

Tim Rex – Double Bass 

Tim is one of Melbourne’s most popular bass players and has recorded in recent times with Tony Gould and many other jazz dignitaries. Corporate work including with the Baker Boys keeps him busy.  Also,a very competent trombonist, which was his first instrument. He is Head of Music at Bentleigh Secondary College. Tim is a fearless player who combines  exceptional talent and good humour.

Rob Mercer – Drums

Rob is a freelance drummer and high school music educator of the highest calibre, based in Melbourne. A graduate of Monash University who has studied under some of the best Australian International educators and performers.

Dave Newdick – trumpet and flugelhorn

Dave has been fortunate enough to enjoy a varied career as a commercial and jazz lead trumpet player in the Melbourne music scene. At the age of 17 he joined the Australian Army band from school, and upon leaving the army at 21 he was employed for 10 years on Channel 9’s HEY HEY ITS SATURDAY. While playing on this show in the 1990’s for 10 years, Dave also started a career in musical theatre, of which he is still gainfully employed today. He has recently played on ‘BEAUTIFUL’ The Carol King Musical, and worked on Disney’s ‘ALADDIN’. Dave’s playing can be heard yearly on Channel 9’s CAROLS BY CANDELIGHT, LOGIES and other television shows. He also works hard in education with both private and school students.

Rob and Tim both graduated from the Generations In Jazz Academy Big Band and have a special connection evident in their wonderfully combined talents. Rob too gives any ensemble a huge lift. This bass drums “engine room” combo is a killer. Enjoy!

Rating

E

Duration

Cast

Rick Freeman, Tim Rex, Rob Mercer, Dave Newdick