jarrah thompson

Australian based singer/songwriter and guitarist, Jarrah Thompson seamlessly fuses rock, blues, roots, folk and latin into his own distinctive blend.

It’s not everyday you hear a guitar / flute / didgeridoo battle but for Jarrah Thompson, experimenting with new sounds, is what it’s all about. Likened to artists such as Jeff Buckley, Led Zeppelin & BB King, it is no wonder Jarrah Thompson has been labeled ‘the next big thing’.

After extensive touring throughout Melbourne, NSW and WA and widespread support from community radio and ABC, Thompson’s music has been turning more than a few heads. In 2008, Jarrah unveiled his explosive nine-piece blues/rock band, earning him a spot at the Point Nepean Music Experience. This awe-inspiring performance, which started with twenty people at his stage, ended with around two thousand punters who had come to hear a flute vs. guitar battle with the intensity and musicality of a Mozart piece! Drawing inspiration from early Santana, Joe Walsh, Jimi Hendrix and Jethro Tull, Thompson’s live performances exude a raw energy reminiscent of the great rock festivals of late 60’s… and the result? The acclaimed debut album, Stargazer, a versatile showcase of well crafted songs from high energy, fuzzed out guitar rock, to finger picking soul with a live orchestra.

2010 saw Jarrah and his band tour Brazil where they recorded Jarrah’s 2nd album. The new album, Rio Claro(March 2011) was named after the town in Brazil where the band stayed for six weeks of the tour and

Back on home turf in late 2010, Jarrah teamed up with flautist ‘Asha Henfry’ for a national acoustic duo tour, 25 gigs over 3 states of Australia. The pair were heavily featured and supported by ABC National and various other stations.

Jarrah Thompson struck his first chord at six years of age, he then went on to study Music Performance at the Las Vegas Academy of The Arts (USA). Returning to Melbourne in 2001 saw the birth of rock band ‘147k’ with the guidance of Australian Hall of Fame Inductee, Lobby Loyde. “Those years were where I learned about life and the music business from a great guitar legend”, says Thompson. In 2006 Jarrah recorded his debut EP, ‘The Crown Jewels’ which went on high rotation with RRR and PBS. .. Described as ‘experimental flute / rock blues’, Jarrah Thompson’s music has the power to transcend the listener to a different time, a different place and the best part of it all is…. ..

He’s only just getting started.

asha henfry

Since graduating from WAAPA in 2007 with first Class Honours Asha Henfry has travelled the world with her flute in tow.

During her studies Asha’s passion for World Music eventually transpired into a set of performance practice instructions for western flautists presenting Japanese and Indian inspired works. In 2008 she travelled Europe, studying with some of the world’s most renowned and innovative flautists; Will Offermans, Ian Clarke and Peter Lukas-Graf and experienced a chance meeting with her musical mentor, Ian Anderson from legendary band Jethro Tull.

Migrating to Melbourne and becoming a part of the Jarrah Thompson band was a natural transition for a flute player such as Asha. Her passions continue to lie with improvisation, world music and obscure instruments from around the world such as the Indian bansuri.

bruno padoveze

Born and musically raised in Brazil, first crossed the ocean to study music in Budapest, at the age of 17.

Harmonizing with the unpredictable chords of life’s symphony, moved back to his home land and graduated at ‘Tom Jobim University of Music’, in São Paulo.

The following years were full of live performances and studio work all over Brazil and the U.S., sailing the seas of Brazilian music, reggae, rock ‘n’ roll and Latin.

Music, once more, played its role and changed his life, taking Bruno over to the other end of the vortex – Australia! A couple of months in Melbourne were enough have the Brazilian bassist immersed into the realm of aussie rock & blues; and by the early days of 2009 he was already making music with Jarrah and the crew.

chris cameron

Having played with Jarrah Thompson for over four years, Chris is a passionate and dedicated performer who is also a well-rounded musician.

After studying the piano for many years, Chris completed a Bachelor of Music at Monash University in 2005 majoring in drum kit performance and has since gone on to perform, record and tour with numerous bands of various styles. With a strong influence from rock, blues and progressive artists, Chris’ drumming style continues to evolve along with those whom he performs with, a testament to his dedication to his craft and musicianship.

bianca aviaz

Specializing in congas, djembe & percussion. Bianca is a multi-talented artist who’s fiery spirit shines through music.

Beginning on drum kit, Bianca felt a pull towards Latin American rhythms, African rhythms and hand-drums which led her to her first mentor and educator Alejandro Vega (Little River Band). Bianca’s passion and fire for congas was then ignited which inspired her to apply for the Jazz Improvisation Bachelor Course at the Victorian College Of The Arts. Upon a successful audition Bianca has been learning closely from multi-instrumentalist and educator Alex Pertout and Ryan Menenzies who incorporates drum kit ideologies into percussion playing.

A gifted singer and arranger, Bianca Aviaz’s career will be something exciting to watch. Her love of 60’s 70’s psychedelic music influences her live performance,
which always get the crowd talking

Bianca is currently working with Jarrah Thompson Band (touring Australia and an upcoming Brazil tour 2011) Big & Horny Band, Big City Beat & Rhythmology, and has recorded with various other Melbourne artists….