About Us

Band History


Galapagos Duck began in the late 60's while the members were engaged in a winter season at the New South Wales skiing resort 'The Kosciusko Chalet' Charlottes Pass. After returning to Sydney band continued to work and became well known in the Australian Jazz and music scene during the 70's when it was the house band at the emerging Jazz night club 'The Basement' near Circular Quay.


Since these humble beginnings the 'Duck' it has been suggested, has become the best known jazz band in Australia and a household name throughout the Country.


The band has worked and continues to work in Concert Halls, Night Clubs, at Jazz Festivals, in the Recording Studio, and on Radio and Television.


Although the membership has changed, of necessity, the direction of the band has always remained the same and that is to create a performance experience that while jazz oriented is able to be appreciated and enjoyed by everybody.


Career Highlights


Based in Sydney Australia the Galapagos Duck was an integral part of the foundation and success of the Jazz Club The Basement.


The band performed in the club continuously for 16 years during which the Basement became known as one of the greatest Jazz Clubs in Australia and the World. The 'Duck' also toured extensively all throughout Australia visiting the Capital cities on many occasions and performing frequently in country areas including the remote areas of Western Australia and the Northern Territory.


International performances have included the following festivals:


  • Montreaux Jazz Festival in Switzerland
  • Jazz Yatra Festival in Bombay (Mumbai)
  • Musexpo in U.S.A
  • Manilla Jazz Festival in the Phillipines
  • Singapore International Jazz Festival
  • Queenstown Jazz Festival in New Zealand
  • Norfolk Island Jazz Festival
  • Lord Howe Island
  • Vanuatu Jazz Festival

Aside from festivals there have been extremely successful performances in England, Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, China, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand and Laos. Having always drawn members from the very best of Australian musicians the Band has shown its versatility through work with Dance including:


  • 'Superman' with the Australian Ballet
  • 'Austorizon' with the Australian Dance Theatre (choreographed by Ross Coleman) in Adelaide
  • A Work for the Comscapes Dance Company Malaysia, performed in Kuala Lumpa that was very successful in raising money for the World Wide Fund For Nature.

There have been many appearances on Television including the Bi-Centennial TV spectacular and appearances on 'Hey Hey Its Saturday'. The Band has also been involved in Film - writing and performing the soundtrack for 'The Removalist' and appearing in the Australian Films 'Rebel' and 'Emerald City'.