Garry has been leading bands in Sydney and [since 1983] in Perth commencing in 1969 while still at school. 50 years ago in September Garry’s quartet won a national talent quest hosted by John Farnham on the Seven Network – “Opportunity Knocks”.  For the last couple of years Garry has maintained the same line-up. Mike Collinson is a superb reed player who now teaches in the Jazz Degree Program at WAAPA. Ookii Effendi is an outstanding jazz pianist influenced by mainstream jazz pianists including Monty Alexander and Oscar Peterson.  Mike and Ookii have worked with Garry for over 20 years. This year Finn McKibbon will graduate from Jazz at WAAPA. Last year Callum Thomson’s Graduation Recital at Ellington received 1st prize for the best of his cohort. Callum and Finn have become the “A Team” rhythm section for young jazz musicians studying and graduating from WAAPA. The style of jazz GLQ plays strongly reflects the traditions of jazz from the last 80 years – swing, bebop with a “Latin Tinge” so beloved of musicians like Dizzy Gillespie, Milt Jackson, Monty Alexander and Bobby Hutcherson.  Add some occasional Mose Allison-influenced jazz blues vocals, some originals from Garry’s “Waltz For Roger” released late last year [CD, iTunes, Bandcamp, Spotify] and the music this band plays will always appeal. GARRY LEE QUINTET:  Mike Collinson – sax/flute, Ookii Effendi – piano, Finn McKibbon – double bass, Callum Thomson – drums, Garry Lee – vibraphone, guitar, vocals