Martin Zakharov - Musical Director. Saxophone, clarinet, flute
Martin
has been playing professionally for 40 years in Australia, Europe and
North America. He has worked in television, theatre and recording
projects in funk, jazz, rock and world music ensembles. He has played
with numerous musicians over the years including: Powderfinger, the Four
Tops, The Temptations, Harry Belafonte, Russell Morris, Vika & Linda Bull, and Konstanz Stadttheater. You can see Martin performing with various groups around Melbourne including
Relax with Max, afro-beat band
Alariiya, Club 54 Band, and Hofbrauhaus restaurant house band.
Jim McGuffie - Trumpet
Hailing from the country town of Shepparton, Jim graduated from Monash University in 2011 with a Bachelor degree in music performance. He teaches at high schools around Melbourne and plays regularly at venues across the country. Jim has played festivals from Castlemaine to Devonport and played Falls Festival with Melbourne outfit
The Low Down Big Band.
Lara Hueston - Trombone
Lara is an exotics veterinarian by profession, and a passionate musician and arts enthusiast in her personal time. Her lifelong dedication to music - particularly the trombone - began at an early age, and she has remained actively involved in musical ensembles ever since. Over the years, Lara has performed with a wide range of bands across various genres and countries, including jazz, folk, and most recently, the UK-based funk and soul group
Papa Soul. She is also currently a member of Melbourne's
Low Down Big Band, continuing to pursue her musical interests alongside her veterinary career.
Rod Wilson - Keyboards
Rod is a versatile and accomplished
pianist and keyboard player who plays in a number of bands in and around
Melbourne. He is also well known for his solo performances and his
style includes jazz, blues, grooves and classical. He has recently
released a solo piano album featuring jazz interpretations of standards
and newer tunes. Rod regularly performs at Melbourne’s Windsor Hotel
and has held residencies at the Sofitel and Hyatt.
Iliya Zakharov - Drums & Percussion
Currently studying Jazz and Improvisation at the Victoria College of the Arts, Iliya Zakharov is a versatile multi-instrumentalist with a decade of experience in the music industry. Iliya has played at some of Melbourne’s most iconic venues, including the Sidney Myer Music Bowl and the Palais Theatre, and has gone on several Australian tours, featuring on dozens of sessions as a drummer, keyboardist, percussionist, and vocalist. Iliya also performs with
Relax with Max,
Big Cat,
Pretty Moi and
Heart Shaped Aces.
