The concert will start at the roots of jazz with its most influential figure, Louis Armstrong, as he was creating and shaping America's most influential and new art form in the 20's. It will progress through his big band era of the 30's to his mature style and the 'All Stars' of the late 40's to the 60's and will feature some famous vocal duets he created with America's First Lady of Song - the fabulous Ella Fitzgerald.

Who better to present this in Australia than one of its premier jazz groups - 'The Syncopators', who have sold out Hamer Hall Morning Melodies with themed concerts including the 'Tribute to Louis and Ella', 'The Great American Songbook', 'Tribute to Bing Crosby' and 'Best of British'. They have made 18 overseas jazz concert/festival tours and nominated three times for, and winners of, the Bells Award for Best Classic Jazz Recording of the Year. Making their debut performance at Birds Basement, they will team up with the vocal skills and musicality of Australia's foremost 'Ella' exponent - the fabulous Yvette Johansson - to create a delightful program that promises to be both entertaining and exhilarating.

The Syncopators are:

Peter Gaudion - trumpet/vocal

Richard Miller - clarinet/alto sax

Chris Ludowyk - leader/trombone

Steve Grant - piano

James Clark - tuba/bass

Andrew Swann - drums/vocal

And their star guest:

Yvette Johansson - vocals