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ABOUT   US

How we got started…
In 2021, Toby Hall (drums), Dorian Mode (vocals/piano), and Fiona Lugg (upright bass) were engaged by an agent to form a jazz trio for a Great Gatsby-themed corporate event in the Hunter Valley. While their style leaned more towards modern jazz rather than traditional 1920s music, they meticulously curated a setlist that delighted the client and agent. Recognising the increasing demand for this genre, the idea of forming a dedicated band to play more traditional jazz took shape. Coincidentally, Mimosa, a talented French Gypsy Jazz duo consisting of Morgan and Phoebe Haselden, were seeking more opportunities as they recently welcomed a new addition to their family. With the inclusion of woodwind virtuoso Brendan Berlach, the musical chums joined forces, resulting in a harmonious collaboration that has since entrained audiences everywhere.

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.
Morgan Haselden

Morgan Haselden is an accomplished guitarist and musician, best known for his contributions as a member of the polished and eclectic Mimosa Duo. Morgan began his journey playing rock songs he heard from the radio. He then pursued a degree at the Sydney Conservatorium becoming a highly distinguished performer of the classical guitar.
Post 2009 graduation from the Con, with his now wife and fellow Mimosa Duo member Phoebe, he then took on the world of Gypsy Jazz and over the course of years became fluent in that style. He has been performing with Mimosa Duo since 2009, they have recorded 3 albums and performed all around the world.
Now, he is a motley mess of styles and ideas, master of none yet fluid and broad. Over the years he has developed a lively raucous way of singing which adds variety to his offerings. His broad experiences have helped forge a knack for arranging music, these skills were instrumental in shaping the unique sound of the Mimosa Duo, but his arrangements have also been used for full bands.

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
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.

Toby Hall
Toby Hall stands as one of Australia's most esteemed drummers, leaving his mark on over 30 Australian CD recordings. Renowned for his remarkable talent, Toby collaborates with a stellar lineup of jazz and contemporary musicians both in live performances and studio sessions. His impressive roster includes luminaries such as Don Burrows, James Morrison, Sandy Evans, James Greening, Bernie McGann, Dale Barlow, Paul Grabowsky, Mike Nock, Lloyd Swanton, and Vince Jones. Toby's international collaborations span artists like Sheila Jordan, Ricky Ford, Chuck Findley, and Raymond MacDonald, among others. Beyond his performances, Toby shares his expertise through master classes and workshops at renowned tertiary institutions and jazz festivals across Australia. He has graced stages in major capital cities and showcased his skills at prestigious jazz festivals such as the Montreal Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival, and Jakarta International Jazz Festival. Toby's musical journey has taken him to diverse venues, including the iconic Knitting Factory in New York, as he has toured extensively throughout Europe, Canada, Asia, and the South Pacific.

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