the bathtub gin orchestra
ABOUT US
How we got started…
In the wake of the pandemic, the Bathtub Gin Orchestra was formed to celebrate music from the 1920s, a period that experienced similar social upheaval. The band meticulously curated a setlist from the period and found there was a demand for music from this wonderfully extravert Flapper era. To this was added the "Mimosa" ingredient, a talented Jazz Manouche duo, and woodwind virtuoso, Brendan Berlach.
BAND MEMBERS
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Phoebe Haselden
Phoebe "the jazz cat" Haselden, an accomplished violinist, has been honing her craft since the days when mullets and denim-on-denim were in vogue. Her musical journey led her to the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music, where she pursued classical performance on a scholarship. However, it was the irresistible allure of jazz's swinging beats and grooves that truly captured Phoebe's heart. Her time spent in France performing at jazz clubs allowed her to further refine her passion for jazz fiddle. Since then, Phoebe has graced countless stages, collaborating with some of Australia's finest jazz musicians. Prepare for an exhilarating ride as this petite darling of the jazz scene swings hard, leaving audiences captivated by her incredible talent.
Dorian Mode
Dorian Mode, a highly acclaimed jazz pianist and composer, holds multiple awards to his name. After completing his studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Dorian's exceptional talent led him to sign with EMI Records, becoming one of the few local jazz artists to secure a major record deal in Australia. His debut CD, "Rebirth of the Cool," featured collaborations with renowned jazz luminaries like Bernie McGann and others.
Throughout his career, Dorian has released numerous CDs, earning accolades such as the ABC Music Award for Best Instrumental and Best Jazz Composition. One of his compositions was even published in the esteemed Australian Jazz Real Book. Beyond the jazz realm, Dorian has composed music for a TV series on FOX in the US, and his moving musical score for the play "The Good German" at the Seymour Centre earned him an ABC Music Award for Best Theatrical Score.
In addition to his musical achievements, Dorian is a talented writer, with his humorous novels published by Penguin and Random House in Europe. He has also gained international recognition as a playwright, with his works being published and worldwide and in translation. Dorian's creative prowess extends across multiple artistic domains, making him a truly multifaceted and accomplished artist
Mark Johns
We are excited to welcome Mark Johns to the jazz guitar chair, playing a beautiful Django Reinhardt Selmer guitar for the band's jazz manouche features. Mark's depth of experience as a performer, session player and composer is unmatched. He has recorded with a large range of artists from Sting to Faith Hill, performed with the London Philharmonic and celebrated singers such as Cleo Laine, Marcia Hines and harmonica virtuoso, Larry Adler, played at iconic venues such as Ronnie Scott's, Carnegie Hall, even Buckingham Palace! Mark has a large catalogue of composed works for widely known and loved film and television shows.
Brendan Berlach
With a rich background of over 20 years in teaching and performing, Brendan brings a wealth of experience to connect with each individual student. He has graced prestigious stages, including the Sydney Opera House, and showcased his jazz skills on television for the Aria Awards. Brendan's passion for jazz led him to pursue formal education at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, and he strives to pass on this inspiration to his pupils.
In addition to his teaching endeavours, Brendan has been an integral part of The Scots College tutoring staff for 8 years, conducting bands and providing private tuition. Since 2016, he has also been actively involved with the Central Coast Conservatorium of Music, offering his expertise to aspiring musicians. Alongside his teaching commitments, Brendan continues to perform regularly throughout the region, showcasing his versatile talents in diverse musical settings.
Fiona Lugg
Fiona Lugg is on an impressive musical journey. She was a part of Sydney's vibrant pub rock scene during the 1980s. With an interest in jazz and double bass Fiona graduated from Sydney Conservatorium of Music and went on to build a busy freelance book and share the stage with some of Australia's finest jazz musicians. This amounts to 30 years of performing, recording and touring, playing a wide range of dance music styles. She has performed in duo settings to big band format and everything in between. As a contracted bassist for Cunard’s ocean liners, Fiona toured the world as double and electric bassist in the ballroom orchestra, playing some of her musical arrangements along with its extensive dance book.
