Australian renowned Saxophone Player Martha Baartz’s Review

If you get a chance, go and check out Trombone Kellie Gang. I did a fun gig with them at Twin Towns last night. Great diverse repertoire. Kellies voice is passionate and dynamic and she played some funky bone solos. Scrubby Pete does an excellent rendition of some Muddy Waters songs and plays a mean and authentic slide guitar, and the rhythm section is solid as a rock with brilliant North Coast drummer Toby Baron and Bassist Justin Pfieffer. I had a really good blow with these guys, and certainly hope to again in the near future! The crowd loved em’!

 Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Club – Review for gig August 7th 2019 …

The joint was jumpin’! Trombone Kellie Gang had the audience wanting more after every single song! We heard blues, jazz, gospel and soul, even a little rockabilly! With surprises like the hokum-jazz-blues number “Duck Yass Yass” originally recorded by James “Stump” Johnson back in 1929 and Big Joe Turner’s “Flip, Flop, Fly”, a powerful, soulful version of Bonnie Raitt’s “Give It Up”and a bright, uptempo version of “It Don’t Mean A Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing”… Trombone Kellie Gang had some of our audience clapping and dancing in their chairs like they were in Bourbon St! Everyone was blown away. What a fabulous night of top shelf entertainment delivered with energy, vibrancy and humour we were privileged to experience. Kellie Barnett with her powerful vocals, trombone and guitar performance delighted the house. ‘Scrubby Pete’ (Peter Hurcombe) wowed the crowd with vocals and guitar work and his dexterity with the guitar slide. Derek Siddon on trumpet, Toby Baron on drums, and Justin Pfieffer on double bass were simply brilliant. Thank you ‘Trombone Kellie Gang’ – for just the best night and we hope you will be back for another gig with our club in 2020.

 Sunshine Coast Jazz Club
Review for ‘Trombone Kellie & the Muddy Roaders’ gig, September 2019

Trombone Kellie & the Muddy Roaders never cease to amaze. From the opening “I Ain’t Got You” to their finale, the music flowed. Song after song [14 or more in the first set!] “Morning Train” , Fats Waller’s “Ain’t Misbehavin”, Pete’s rendition of “Bad case of Love”, “Honeysuckle Rose, and the old Ella Fitzgerald number – “Goody Goody” – did she belt that out!! Jazz, Gospel, Blues and oh, those ‘train songs’ – vocals, solos from the musician virtuoso, kept the audience in anticipation – Kellie is a wonderful gut-wrenching trombonist. Her solos rip right through you – “Sway” with Kellie and Derek, “All of Me”, “Freight Train” – you felt that you could hear that train! And who could forget the great Gospel song “Fly Away” – she sings with a style that puts meaning into every word. Then, Derek, well, is there a more powerful trumpeter. Wow! those high register notes!! Ellington’s “It Don’t Mean a Thing” is always a treat. Great guitar and vocals from Peter who keeps the beat solid and steady. Toby had some great solo spots and we love Justin’s old- time slap bass. As usual our exhibition dancers stole the show with some amazing steps. More strength to them!!
The band had a ball and so did the audience, so much so that they received standing ovations and rewarded us with extra encores and overtime! Trombone Kellie & The Muddy Roaders!! Music to listen and enjoy, music to dance and enjoy. Thank you, Kellie and boys – we can’t wait to have you back! You and the Roaders lift our spirits.
Brian Fane Sunshine Coast Jazz Club life Member.