Paul McNamara Trio

The piano is the story teller, the voice the lightness and darkness, the bass the unfaltering underlying thread. Paul McNamara, Nicky Crayson and Dave Pudney are three musicians who breathe together with an undeniably potent rhythm. Their understanding is solid but free, their music guided by traditions of jazz improvisation but continually opening rather than convention bound.

Nicky Crayson’s range of expression beckons you to take the journey with her. There’s drama, excitement along with enticing mystery and warmth. You simply can’t stop listening. And it’s all based on a technical prowess that’s breathtaking.

David Pudney breathes with the double bass as if it is organically part of him. His sound is open and his ideas flow naturally.

Paul McNamara’s steady guiding hand is everywhere and nowhere. Arrangements and harmony, sounding like they are influenced by that of the magnificent composer Maria Schneider, bind the album together in a movie-like narrative.

Paul McNamara   piano/arranger/composer
Paul has played concerts with Don Burrows, James Morrison and international stars, Joe Henderson, Freddie Hubbard, Milt Jackson, Johnny Griffin. He’s a celebrated composer and teacher. He’s toured his own band “Point of No Return” in Asia and played at the Chicago Jazz Festival with Ten Part Invention, Australia’s best known jazz orchestra.

Nicky Crayson   voice
Nicky is a true jazz singer who sees her voice as an integral part of the instrumental group. She has performed with most of the great Australian jazz musicians, as well as being the support artist for many overseas acts, such as Tony Bennett and Mark Murphy. Nicky has appeared at all the major venues (which have come and gone throughout the years) and made numerous festival appearances.
When Tony Bennett heard Nicky sing he said she is “The most original singer I’ve heard, unforgettable, fantastic.”

Dave Pudney   double bass
Dave has toured extensively with with Don Burrows, James Morrison and later with George Golla in various small group settings.
David’s recording credits include albums by Don Burrows, Bob Barnard, Ed Wilson, GraceKnight, The Sydney All Stars Big Band, KevinHunt, jazz singers Sandie White Marie Wilson and Tom Burlinson.
As a regular member of the Sydney All Stars Big Band he backed Tom Burlinson in his hit show “Frank,A Life In Song”.
David is on staff at Avondale College since 2007 teaching double bass and electric bass.