Jazzbird

 “This jazz bird is Wendy McPhee, a lady of considerable style and eclectic taste… her pitch, diction and interpretation are right on; … this is a young jazz singer who thoroughly deserves to be heard. The combination of charm, professionalism and right-on pitch makes her someone to listen out for in future…”

 

 Wendy's singing ability was discovered when she was just 13, she was quickly employed for the Tracy '80 TV program and within 12 months had performed at all schools across New Zealand. Wendy has received a number of wins at the NZCMA including, top female solo and top duet; and in 1987, became the recipient of the NZCMA Entertainer of the Year Award at the Founders Theatre in Hamilton New Zealand. In 1988, Wendy participated in the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the next year compared the Entertainer of the Year Show. Wendy worked as lead vocalist for the New Jack City Rock Band, performing nights at the famous New Zealand music venue, The Gluepot. Over the next few years Wendy featured in promotional videos for Telecom New Zealand, and worked as backing vocalist for such performers as Steve McDonald Celtic music artist and Sally Burgess Country music artist. During the early '90's Wendy joined The 7 Sisters and sharing lead vocals with Debbie Harwood performed arcapella, negro spiritual and African songs.  

 

 Marrying a local man, Wendy moved to Adelaide in the late '90s, and studied Jazz at Adelaide University's Elder School of Music. During 2004/5 she performed at wineries in the Fleurieu Peninsula and featured on the album An Afternoon at Daniel's with the Kym Mitchell Quartet. At the same time, Wendy worked alongside other Adelaide Jazz students on the CD, Street Jazz, a fundraiser for the international street paper, The Big Issue, a charity supporting homeless people.

 

 As Jazzbird, Wendy, performs Jazz classics in the Adelaide and Fleurieu regions. During 2005/6 Jazzbird delivered cool jazz performances at The Barossa Gourmet Festival, The Sea and Vines Festival and The Fleurieu Fiesta, as well as numerous wineries and private functions. Jazzbird's repertoire consists mainly of tunes from the 30's, 40's and 50's and her inspirations include Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Blossom Dearie. Jazzbird's repertoire consists mainly of tunes from the 30's, 40's and 50's and her inspirations include Billie Holiday, Peggy Lee, and Blossom Dearie.

 

 Jazzbird and the Adelaide Jazz Trio performed to a packed house at the Governor Hindmarsh Hotel on March 22nd 2007 for The Adelaide Fringe Festival, which was completely sold out in the first week, one of the first events to sell out for the festival. “It was an unseasonably hot night and a very cool performance... Jazzbird swings."