Press Kit Enquiries and bookings Barry FerrierPhone: 0266 871 594Mob: 0405 788 433email: design@byronbayinteractive.com B

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Barry Ferrier aka ‘Dr. Baz’Byron Bay- based Barry Ferrier (aka Dr. Baz) is an extraordinarily versatile musician with a deep warm voice and exciting skills on guitar, piano, flute and accordian. In his solo shows he follows two main musical directions - his work as a popular entertainer in hotels, clubs, and at corporate and wedding events, where he delivers polished sets in “acoustic guitar and vocals” mode, but is equally comfortable as a singing ‘pianoman’.... and then Barry also connects strongly with his creative muse, and is a prolflc original songwriter. He has developed a dynamic original show for festival contexts, based on catchy grooves and strong lyrics, with influences of funk, swamp blues and jazz. For his songwriting ability Barry has been awarded 7 North Coast Entertainment Industry ‘Dolphin Awards’, including Best Jazz Artist and twice for Best Blues Artist, and he has achieved a number of other awards for film scores, stage shows and radio programmes that he has penned.

The EntertainerIn either ‘Pianoman’ or ‘guitarist/singer’ mode (and he often combines the two in the one show) he is a relaxed and witty entertainer with a huge swag of diverse and interesting cover songs to draw on - ranging from the great jazz and swing standards, some classic country tunes and warm soulful interpretations of the pop greats such as Elton, Elvis, Blly Joel, Eric Clapton, Oasis, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, ... the list goes on, the beat goes on. It’s a great show!

The Singer / SongwriterWith a deep bluesy voice with echoes of Nick Cave and Neil Diamond and a strong rhythmic feel, in his original mode he brings dark poetry and strong genre influences to his eclectic musical tour-de-force, taking audiences on a fascinating musical journey through soulful acoustic funk, accordian based tango, gritty blues and roots, to passionate, soaring flamenco guitar, delivered with a relaxed mastery and humour.

I Hear that Train a-Comin’ : The Johnny Cash TributeReturning to his early roots in music theatre, Barry Ferrier has brought together a team of talented performers and created an immersive music theatre show based on the Johnny Cash Story, and the interaction between Cash and his lifelong partner June Carter Cash. Barry has the vocal depth to emulate the unique Johnny Cash sound and the vivacious and versatile Ilona Harker plays the 3 women in Johnny’s life as she ‘hoots and hollers’ her way through this toe-tapping, side slapping mix of great songs and stories. They are backed by the Ten-nessee Two : Slim Pickens on double bass, and Neil McCann on electric guitar. It is an engaging music theatre experience, bringing the Johnny Cash legend to life through songs and stories.

And There’s More...Barry’s other music projects includie his original acoustic funk duo with outstanding diva Kellie Knight, offering powerful harmonies and a highly polished repertoire ranging from smooth jazz to the best of contemporary pop plus a cool collection of original acoustic funk songs. They recently drew a great response at the 2013 Adelaide Fringe Festival . Dr. Baz also fronts the 4 piece funk blues & jazz band “The Blue Starz”, and has worked extensively in the ‘blues and roots’ idiom with delta blues man Slim Pickens, now known as the Shooflys with the addition of drummer vocalist Neil McCann, and in this show his zydeco piano accordian playing is a major feature.

Dr. Baz - Pianoman.In his regular shows as a pianoman entertainer Dr. Bazhas the ability to seamlessly cross over between genres and serves up flowing renditions of the great jazz standards, tasty swing blues, and the hits of the great piano songwriters such as Billy Joel and Elton John, all with a warm, sophisticated sound.

He appears regularly at venues from Coffs Harbour to the Byron Bay region, the Gold Coast and Brisbane, has entertained at over 100 weddings and corporate functions, delivering his smooth interpretations of a wide range of dynamic covers, songs. His repertoire includes soulful Leonard Cohen, upbeat country from Johnny Cash, and warm easy-listening versions of many of the great songwriters, singers, and contemporary hits, but also travelling back in time to the fifties rock of Elvis and Jerry Lee Lewis, 60s classics by the greats such as Bob Dylan and the Beatles, and some great Aussie pop songs... it’s all great entertainment. His piano style really swings and his voice has a deep authority. It’s just a lot of fun! Requests can be written on a fifty dollar note!

Some HistoryBarry gained wide experience in music theatre in his early career, appearing in the original cast of “Jesus Christ Superstar “ and “Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat“ and with the Lindsay Kemp Mime Company. He was a recording artist for RCA, appearing on the ABC’s “Countdown” and opening for Ry Cooder at the Palais in Melbourne. He played bass with chart topping pop group “The Ferrets”. Later he worked as music director and composer at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane. He has appeared as support for many eminent Aussie music acts. He was also band leader and guitarist for legendary superstar Eartha Kitt on her 1994 Australian national tour. He has toured Europe & the UK and played several Australian music festivals.

Dr. Baz and the Blue StarzDr. Baz performs regularly out front of the polished Byron Bay based jazz, blues, and funk band the Blue Starz. This is a tight & tasty dance band with great talent and instrumental mastery, delivers authentic rhythm and blues chops and infectious dance floor grooves, spiced up with sophisticated jazz & funk influences. The players share a love of groove based music and a commitment to good playing, and they pride themselves in producing a great party sound without being deafening!

Tom CuylerA Canadian born guitarist, who stiil tours regularly with the Otttawa based Breakwater Blues Band, Tom has been a familiar force on the Byron Bay music scene for many years. A musician’s musician with a disarming humility, his soaring lead guitar and tasty rhythm licks have been the back-bone of a vast array of Byron Bay lineups. Tom is an amusing story teller, who brings some interesting and amusing funky blues to the repertoire and sings with a gruff and gritty authentic blues shout and he’s always the consummate tasteful soloist.

Martin MuellerBass guitarist Martin brings energy, infectious enthusiasm, and a big warm bottom end sound to the Starz, with funky, melodic bass lines that are impeccably tight, and he adds a second harmony to their vocal sound. Martin is also a seasoned player and a familiar face on the Byron Music Scene having toured for some years with Jakarta and has backed many leading local artists including Gavin Hamilton and Grace Knight.

Derrick ArmisteadLismore based drummer Derrick is a popular percussionist in musician circles because he can play a great beat at a low volume. He also has an extensive music industry track record, having appeared as a journeyman musician in a wide variety of professional groups, including for many years with Steve Gilpin of Mi-Sex fame in Under Wrapz. His dynamics, accurate time-keeping, crisp, solid groove and superb versatility make him an invaluable member to the Starz - and he adds the third harmony.

SoloSonglistBeatles:1. It’s for You

2. Jealous Guy (Lennon)

3. Nowhere Man

4. Norwegian Wood

5. Yesterday

6. You Can’t Do That

7. Come Together

Johnny Cash:1. Boy Named Sue

2. Cocaine Blues

3. Falsom Prison Blues 4. Get Rhythm

5. Ghost Riders in the Sky

6. Help Me Make it Thru the Night

7. I Walk the Line

8. Hey Porter

9. Ring of Fire

10. Sun Morning Coming Down

11. 16 tons

12. 5 Feet High and Rising

13. Hurt

Creedence:1. Bad Moon Rising

2. Down on the Corner

3. Have You Ever Seen the Rain?

4. Proud Mary

Leonard Cohen:1. Dance Me to the End of Love

2. Hallelujah

3. I’m Your Man

4. Bird on a Wire

Dire Straits:1.Money For Nothing

2.Romeo & Juliette

3.Walk of Life

4.You’re Latest Trick Elton John:1.Candle in the Wind

2.Your Song

Billy Joel1. Piano Man

2. Just the Way You Are

3. Captain Jack

Aussie Songs:1.Girls on the Avenue

2.Bad Habits

3. Difficult Woman (P. Kelly)

4. From St. Kilda to Kings (P. Kelly)

5. Reckless (Aussie Crawl)

6. To Her Door (P. Kelly)

7. Throw Your Arms Around Me

Bob Dylan:1. Don’t think twice it’s all right

2. Knocking on Heavens Door

3. It ain’t me babe

4. I Shall Be Released

5. I’ll be Your Baby Tonight

Van Morrison:1. And It Stoned Me

2. Have I told You Lately

3. Moondance

4. Someone Like You

5. Tupelo Honey

6. Brown Eyed Girl

Reggae: 1. Walk and Don’t Look Back

2. Don’t Worry Be Happy

3. Falling in Love with You

4. I can see clearly now

5. Is this love? (Marley)

6. Stand by me

Bruce Springsteen:

1.Dancing in the Dark

2. Hungry Heart

3. I’m on Fire

Rock: n Roll:1. Ain’t That a Shame

2. Blue Suede Shoes

3. Great Balls of Fire

4. Johnny B. Goode

5. Rockin ‘Robin

6. Shake rattle and roll

7. Shame Shame Shame

8. Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On

Jazz Standards:1. Ain’t Misbehavin’

2. As Time Goes By

3. Autumn Leaves

4. Fever

5. Georgia

6. God Bless the Child

7. Hallelujah I Just Love Her So

8. Is You Is My Baby?

9. Mr. BoJangles

10. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down & Out

11. Route 66

12. Stormy Weather

13. Stray Cat Strut

14. Sunny Side of the Street

15. Summertime

16. Unchain my Heart

17. What a Wonderful World

J.J. Cale:1. After Midnight

2. Cajun Moon

3. Cocaine

4. Lies

5. Mama Don’t Allow

6. Same Ol’ Blues Again

7. They Call Me the Breeze

8. Crazy Mama

Irish Songs:1. Belle of Belfast City

2. Carrigh Fergus

3. Dirty Old Town

4. Fields of Athenry

5. Marie’s Wedding

6. Star of the County Down

7. She Moves Through the Fair

Instrumental:1. Bossa Dorado

2. Besame Mucho

3.Flamenco

4.Last Tango

5.The Entertainer Eagles:1. Desperado

2. I Can’t Tell You Why

3. Take it To the Limit

4. Take it Easy

Other Great Hits:1. Abracadabra (Steve Miller)

2. Always in My Head (India Arie)

3. Ain’t No Sunshine (Bill Withers)

4. All I want is You (U2)

5. Baker Street (Gerry Rafferty)

6. Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)

7. Blue Bayou

8. Bring Out de Boogie in Me

9. Crazy (Willie Nelson)

10. Crazy Little Thing Called Love

11. Dark Eyed Cajun Woman (Doobies)

12. Dock of the Bay (Bill Withers)

13. Father & Son (Cat Stevens)

14. Green Green Grass of Home

15. Guilty (Randy Newman)

16. House of the Rising Sun

17. Let’s Dance (Chris Rea)

18. Losing My Religion (R.E.M.)

19. Lonely At the Top (R. New-man)

20. I Wish (Stevie Wonder)

21. Kiss (Tom Jones)

22. Layla ( Eric Clapton)

23. Masquerade

24. Mean Woman (Elvis)

25. Me & Bobby McGee

26. New Coast of Paint (Tom Waits)

27. On the Beach (Chris Rea)

28.Polk Salad Annie (Tony Joe White)

29. Riders on the Storm (Doors)

30. Rock me Baby (Muddy Waters)

31. Save The Night (Eagle Eye Cherry)

32. Still Got the Blues

33. Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2)

34. Stuck in the Middle (Gerry Rafferty)

35. Shakey Ground

36. Streets of London

37. South City Midnight Lady (Doobies)

38. Time After Time

39. The Gambler

40. The One That Got Away (Tom Waits)

41. Venus

42. Superstitious (Stevie Wonder)

43. Wayfaring Stranger

44. Wild World

45. Wonderwall (Oasis)

46. Sunshine of my Life

47. You’ve Lost that Loving Feel-ing

48. Tears in Heaven49. Sweet Caroline50. Let’s Dance (Chris Rea)