Hoot - Hoot

Order Number HTCD01

Retail Price from indie-cds.com site A$5.00: / Unit

Formed in 2002, HOOT has been created to showcase the compositions of Radha Claridge and Robert Jackson, saxophonists with distinct styles and directions. Drawing on eclectic musical influences HOOT has developed its own unique blend of modern jazz and funky grooves, creating a captivating and enticing atmosphere. The melodies go from the lyrical to the spiky, supported by a diverse range of spicy rhythms.

"HOOT presents a series of informed and well though out approaches to the creation of their highly original music. These players are able to seamlessly weave a range of compositional strategies and unique tone colours into a pleasureable musical whole." - David Chesworth (composer & musician).

"This is beautiful music - I am struck by the energy, the vitality and the enthusiasm of it." - Paul MacNamara, fellow jazz traveller.

Radha Claridge - Saxophone and Flute Radha began her performing career in 1982 busking in Europe. Her performance work has been a dedicated exploration of improvisation through playing jazz, folk, dance music and her own original compositions. Since completing a Diploma of Arts at the VCA in 1989 she has freelanced in a variety of groups playing with; Nick Heyward, Belinda Moody, Sue Johnson, Ivan Rosa and Steve Magnusson. She has performed regularly with African dance bands; Afrodisa, Safika, Thula Sana and Aba Baku. She formed The Radha Claridge Trio to play her entertaining repertoire of jazz standards and favourite melodies from around the world and co-led the groups Hoot, Blurt and Bent Metal which have featured her own compositions. The above have performed at a variety of venues including; Bennett's Lane, The Malthouse, Boite World Music Cafe, Planet Cafe, Royal Derby Hotel, The Big House, Tonik and The Retreat Hotel. A career highlight was to be included in the 1994 Composing Women's Festival. Her original compositions have also featured in various local festivals including 2000 Melbourne Women's Jazz Festivals. Radha combines her performance work with teaching woodwinds for the Department of Education.

Ivan Rosa - Double Bass. Ivan Rosa has been active in the Melbourne jazz scene for over 10 years. His solid time keeping and inventive soloing make him a popular sideman. A graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts, Ivan has shared the stage with the likes of Bob Sedergreen, Barry Duggan, Gil Askey, Lachlan Davidson, Sonja Horbelt and Andrea Keller. Ivan is also very active as an instrumental teacher and ensemble director in both the private and state school systems in Melbourne.

Robert Jackson - Saxophone and Guitar. A multi-skilled performer, Robert studied Linguistics at Latrobe Uni. and composition with Mark Pollard at the VCA. Active since the early 80s, he has developed a distinctive saxophone style and has been a featured soloist at MIFA, Linden New Musicales, NGV, Conundrum, Elbow Room, MIA and Make-it-Up Club events, and is sponsored by Temby Saxophones. With Tom Fryer and Ross Hazeldine he formed "Packing Death", an influential free impro group and was a co-founder of the Melbourne Improvisers' Association Inc. He composed a 50 saxophone fanfare to open MIFA 1993, and played in the award winning Chambermade opera production 'The Two Executioners" He has played in a multitude of rock and jazz bands including King Idiot, Kirn Salmon & the Business, Frank, Silver Ray & Butt Funky. Since 1992 he has been in The Point with Collin Bogaars and Tom Fryer, which has done 1000+ gigs nationally at festivals, functions and major sporting events. He has been MD/Composer for Circus, Film & Theatre and since 2000 he has had the part of Weasel in the ASC production of "Wind ln The Willows".

Mark Voogd - Drums. Mark has worked for twenty years as a freelance musician with performing and recording artists such as Peter Harper, Barney MCall, Suzie Dickenson, Ian Chaplin, Jackie Gaudian, Steve Sedergreen, Judy Jaques, The Grand Wazoo. He spent 1991 in Amsterdam performing with well-known European jazz musicians. In 1997 Mark completed his Batchelor of Music Performance (Victorian College of the Arts) and a Diploma of Education (Melbourne University). Currently Mark teaches and performs with groups Heliboptor, Mastiso, Gabriel Damore, Radha Claridge Trio and his own group Voojas featuring Howard Cairns and Simon Kent.