The duo is comprised of young talent Daniel Thomas on the piano and seasoned saxophonist Ross Coulter. This unique combination of young and old creates the atmosphere of a late night jazz club in Chicago or New Orleans, but with an eclectic mix of melodies from the charts then, and now.
Now ready for performance, the ‘jazz men’ are available for residency at a resort, restaurant, or cruise ship seasons. They also perform at private functions, weddings and corporate or special events. Being as versatile enables the duo to either blend into the background atmosphere of a venue or to bask in the limelight depending on the customer’s vision and audience response.
Daniel Thomas
For over 5 years Daniel has immersed himself in the Music industry, and learnt more than some do in a lifetime. His passion for music is somewhat unhealthy but it is this commitment that has fast tracked his career as musician.
As a young teenager, Daniel started playing the electric bass and guitar, performing in bands at parties, expo’s and other small venues. After winning a music scholarship, he spent the next 2 years gaining AMEB accreditations in musicianship, bass and piano to start his teaching career. Moving to Coffs Harbour to complete his H.S.C. Daniel began performing as an independent musician. With his ability to sight read music at a high level, at 16 he was asked to join the Sawtell RSL house band, performing for talent quests and supporting travelling solo artists.
Jump to the present, and this time choosing to play the piano, Daniel found both a musical and intellectual connection with saxophonist Ross Coulter, which lead to the formation of the unique duo “jazz men”.
“I find jazz has little relevance to people my age, the standards we play are melodies engrained into the psyche of the older generation, so I figure playing tunes from our generation as well will open many more listeners to our music… jazz”
Daniel Thomas
Ross Coulter
Ross has been developing his craft for over 30 years. Starting his career at fifteen with the Harbord Diggers Big Band. Ross was soon to experience the big time when he created Sydney based band, ‘Enormous Horns’.
After an incredible ten years, and in need of a sea change, Ross moved to Coffs Harbour. He has been seen regularly since the early 90’s in such bands as Free n Easy, Fabulous Nobody’s and Lost Property. For the past few years Ross has been a solo artist, performing with his saxophone in resorts, restaurants and RSL’s.
Recently passing on his experience as a conductor for the Harbour City Swing band, and offering private tuition for students of saxophone, clarinet and flute. Ross has now decided to get back in to fulltime performance and playing jazz has been a long term goal. He is now fulfilling his dream in Cairns as the other half of the Jazz Men.
“It’s been a dream for a while to play jazz that the average listener can understand and enjoy. Now that I’ve found a musician of similar interests, it’s turned out better than I could have ever imagined”
Ross Coulter
- Jazz men repertoire -
