The Galapagos Duck is one of the most well-known jazz bands in Australia.

Galapagos Duck has been largely influential in putting Australian jazz on the map. They’ve won national and international awards and played throughout America, Asia and Europe.

With a line-up that comprises some of the most accomplished musicians in the country, the band delivers a polished, versatile and energetic performance in any situation.

Drawn from the bands comprehensive repertoire the program reflects all the many facets that are represented by the word ‘Jazz’, while reflecting influences from many other genres of music including Calypso, Soul, Blues, Boogie and Rock.

“They've lost none of their vigour, enthusiasm, dexterity, versatility or skill. In fact, they're probably playing better than ever; which, after 43 years, is saying something!” Lloyd Bradford Syke in Australian Stage (2012)

Galapagos Duck featuring:

John Conley: Basses and Guitar

Adam Thomas: Saxophones

Rodney Ford: Drums, Percussion and Vocals

Malcolm Wood: Trumpet, Flugelhorn and Vocals

Dave Spicer: Keyboard

A Little History on "THE DUCK"
The band 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.

Some 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.