Duke Bannister Bio Duke, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin arrived in Australia in 1973. As a youngster Duke was a student of jazz (trumpet, guitar and vocals). Close to Chicago, he would “obtain” questionable ID and sneak into the jazz clubs. He began playing professionally (with the same ID) at the age of 17. He has played in some of the most famous and infamous juke joints and clubs and even the Hotel Nacionale in Havana. As an American Citizen living in Australia he is well known for his leading role in light operas, featured vocalist for several big bands and jazz ensembles and the opening of the new Gold Coast Convention & Entertainment Centre. He has sung with the Chancellor Big Band, some of the “boys” from Galapagos Duck and the Harry Lynn trio at Gold Coast Arts Centre “Jazz in the Basement”. Most recently Duke shined as the Musical Director, Featured Entertainer and Band Leader of his “Quintessential Jazz Group Big Band” and the “Quintessential Jazz Group Quintet” for the gala “Big Band Dinner & Dance Night” at the Gold Coast Convention Centre. His passion and talent for music transcend his “reading of the dots” and his voice is unique yet reminiscent of the great jazz singers and crooners of the glorious past. Hearing Duke sing “Georgia”, “Birth of the Blues” and a cascade of other numbers is a tingling, nostalgic yet new experience. His moving arrangement (John Pieri, Arranger) of “Old Man River” has been frequently played on 94.1 FM, the Gold Coasts Prime Jazz Station. In addition, to his music he is a well known actor in Australian television, films and radio. His face is unfortunately well remembered as the “Texan” in Hungry Jacks advertisements. He has featured in many Australian dramas and (with his wife Shoshanna) appeared in Paul Hogan’s last film – Crocodile Dundee in L.A. If you enjoy just relaxing and listening to great music with versatile performances by Quartets, Quintets, a Big Band and a Vocalist who’s phrasings tells the story as the Lyricists intended, you will definitely want to include this album “DUKE IS BACK”, a compilation of Jazz, Swing, Blues and Latin, to your library.