The Hunters & Pointers to Perform at Merlyn Theatre, 7 June

A collection of hitherto unheard live recordings, marking a watershed moment in Australian jazz history.

Graeme Lyall - alto saxophone
John Hoffman - trumpet/flugelhorn
Tony Gould - piano
Ben Robertson - bass
Tony Floyd - drums
After 23 years, elite figures of the Australian jazz scene reunite to launch debut recording.

LAUNCH: Saturday 7 June 2014 at 7pm - A Melbourne International Jazz Festival event

Merlyn Theatre, The Coopers Malthouse, 113 Sturt Street, Southbank

with special guest vocalist Kristin Berardi

http://melbournejazz.com/program/the-hunters-pointers

In 1991 five friends came together for a gig. The common bond was, and 23 years later still is, a mutual respect for each other's musical abilities and the ongoing search for a good gag. With minutes to go before the first gig on March 28 1991 -­? and moments after the telling of a very funny joke involving a beat and a hunter -­ a discussion ensued about what to name the band and who would be responsible for steering this misguided ship-­of-­fools.

When asked who would be the band leader they all began pointing at each other... and voila, the birth of The Hunters & Pointers.

The Hunters & Pointers are a celebration of the depth of jazz lineage in Australia. With careers spanning five decades and biographies boasting collaborators from Ella Fitzgerald to Dave Brubeck, the group brings together the elite of Australian jazz: John Hoffman, Graeme Lyall, Tony Gould, Ben Robertson and Tony Floyd.

The Hunters & Pointers only performed four times, all at the Limerick Arms in South Melbourne in 1991, all of which were recorded. Now more than 2 decades later, a handful of pieces have been selected for release to present a snap-­?shot of what was, and what was to come.

These archive tapes have, like a fine wine, have been maturing in the darkness of a cupboard deep in the wilds of St Kilda for 23 years. Maintaining the bacchanalian metaphor, each component of this fine blend is a legend in the Australian jazz scene.

Listen to the energy, music and sheer joy - it has aged well and is ready for consumption!

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Sound Design - Top 3

1. Adam Fisher - The Lost Boys

38.8% of votes

2. Tony Gayle - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

12.6% of votes

3. Kai Harada - Ragtime

7.2% of votes

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