GRAND WAZOO-Kings of Soul

Under the fine musical leadership of eminent band-leader John Montesante, GRAND WAZOO are Australia's premier 13 piece Kings of Soul, with an unsurpassed record for presenting the most authentic and entertaining Soul Music Spectacular in Oz since 1981-performing iconic 60s-70s Soul tunes, rare gems and band originals in the same 'brassy blaster' style. The band celebrated 40 Years in 2021, attesting to the quality entertainment of this matchless band.

The Band:

The mighty GRAND WAZOO, founded in 1981 looks and sounds amazing, with its attractive frontline and big brassy presence - presenting a harmonious, multi-generational and multi-racial line up - with wide appeal to all age groups. The Band always works at full strength of 13 onstage - 10 Musicians & 3 Singers, due to the arrangements and because the band values all its members. Three of its stellar Soul Singers are showcased at every gig, usually Soul Man, Wylie J Miller or John JT Toney & Soul Queens, Anastasia Aspeling  &  Samantha Morley, with sporadic guests like Walter Saluni or another. alongside the WaZoo Horns + Rockin' Rhythm Masters. Grand WaZoo is available to perform local, interstate and international, with adequate notice and can adapt its extensive repertoire to every event, festival, media or special occasion.

As well as exceptional musicianship and vocalists for many decades, Grand WaZoo has performed with or supported international and Australian artists, including: The Temptations, Wilson Pickett Band, Sam + Dave, Venetta Fields, Al Martino, Leo Sayer, Ross Wilson, Anthony Callea, Jon Stevens, Rhonda Burchmore, Tim Campbell, Mahalia Barnes, Ian Stenlake, Jeff Duff, Marcia Hines, Hollywood Brown, Reg Livermore, Peter Cupples, Hot Chocolate, Lisa Edwards, Renee Geyer, Normie Rowe, Kate Ceberano, Jackie Love, Max Merritt, Bobby Valentine, Joe Camilleri and many others. Live Television appearances have included regular TV spots on GMA (Good Morning Australia), Hey Hey It's Saturday, Midday Show, Denise, Don Lane Show,The Footy Show and several 'live' radio shows.

The Gigs:

GRAND WAZOO has a  repertoire of around 300 superbly arranged and composed  tunes - so the band offers musical excellence, longevity, experience and entertainment value second to none; and is widely revered as a "Soul Institution". It offers some different possibilities with its shows.

1. Soul Extravaganza:  Grand WaZoo performs 2 x one hour sets paying tribute to the Black Soul artists of the 1960s and 1970s, from Ray Charles to Motown, from James Brown to Aretha Franklin , from Al Green to Prince, from Tina Turner to Etta James and many others,  … all showcasing 3 singers, 6 horns & 4 rhythm players.This soul showcase transports the audience back to those halcyon days of dancing and romancing - with THE only band that has been performing Black Soul in Australia since 1981- and is unmatched in recreating the authentic vibe of the era!

2. Soul Divas Show : Grand WaZoo's past and present Queens of Soul backed by the fabulous WaZoo horns and rockin' rhythm section, revive the tunes of the great female Soul artists of the1960s-70s including the grooves of Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Gladys Knight, Dusty Springfield, Martha & The Vandellas, Diana Ross & The Supremes and others. It features 3 top-line female soul singers.

3. 'Im A Soul Man' Vocal Revue : Grand WaZoo's 3 x  Soul Men backed by the fabulous WaZoo horns and rockin' rhythm section, can present an All Male Vocal Revue, with songs of great male Soul artists of the 1960s-70s like Sam & Dave, James Brown, Ray Charles, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations, The Four Tops, James Brown, Al Green, Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Stevie Wonder and more and features 3 top-line male soul singers.

The extensive repertoire and talent base of Grand WaZoo means the band performs for all occasions: Private Functions, Major Events, Outdoor Stages, Concerts, Parties, Nightclubs, Venues, Live Media, Corporate, Conference, Awards Nights, Festivals, Dance Nights and as Show Band. Grand WaZoo performs live public gigs at least once a month, so if a client wants to experience the act  prior to booking, it is worthwhile to go along.

The band's quality, size and longevity takes it to the HIGHER END of the entertainment market costs, where it is the BAND OF CHOICE when SUPERB MUSIC, UNRIVALLED ENTERTAINMENT & QUALITY PROFESSIONALISM is required.

You've seen the rest. Come back to the BEST!