THE ANDY FIRTH RETRO-SWING BAND

Formed in March 2025, the Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band is an 8-piece, extremely versatile Jazz, Blues and Retro-Styles band. With membership selected from some of the finest jazz musicians from the Hunter Area in New South Wales, Australia, this unique band performs classic hits, originals and retro-styled music from a multitude of eras and musical styles. The musical arrangements have been carefully and cleverly crafted by Andy Firth so that they sound and feel like a band twice the size with a full and exciting combo big band sound. Although The Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band is primarily a jazz group that plays music from all eras of jazz history, it is also able to perform music from the 1950s, ’60s, ’70’s and beyond.

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Click on this video to hear the band on a live gig:

Meet Andy Firth-Leader, Arranger, Clarinet & Alto Sax.

Andy Firth is widely regarded as one of the most outstanding clarinet players in the world today, having played internationally with some of the finest performers, bands and orchestras in both classical and jazz music. His mastery of the clarinet and saxophone, unrivalled expression of tone and technique, and endless devotion and enthusiasm for the music that he plays have earned Andy a reputation as a performer not to be missed!

Career highlights include:
-Performed a concert under his name at Carnegie Hall, New York (2008). Andy’s guest artist was jazz clarinet legend, Buddy DeFranco.
-Performed at the Sydney Opera House as a special guest artist for Australian jazz great, James Morrison’s “A Celebration of Life through Jazz-A Tribute to Don Burrows”.
-Performed at the Buddy DeFranco jazz festival in Montana as Buddy’s guest artist.
-Clarinet soloist on the Baz Luhrmann film, “AUSTRALIA”.
-Performed the Artie Shaw Concerto with Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Mozart Clarinet Concerto with Sydney Concert Orchestra and the Seigmiester Clarinet Concerto with QLD Symphony Orchestra and was a guest soloist with the famed Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
-Guest artist for James Morrison’s 60th Birthday Australian tour.
-Performed as a featured artist at Monterey Jazz, North Sea & Frankfurt Jazz Festivals.
-Toured Japan presenting Benny Goodman Tribute Concerts with Eiji Kitamura and John Denman.
-Awarded a “MO Award” for “Best live Jazz Instrumentalist in Australia” (2006).
-Featured guest soloist with The Kenny Ball Band (UK).
-Toured Australia with Anthony Warlow and Maestro Tommy Tycho.
-Guest Soloist with Tommy Tycho and the Sydney International Orchestra and the Tommy Tycho Big Band for over ten years.
-Guest Soloist and Master Class Tutor at 3 International and 4 National U.S.A Clarinet Festivals.
-Toured Australia as support artist with B.B. King and the Phillip Morris Superband and also with the Wynton Marsalis band.
-The Australian artist for Buffet Clarinets (France), Keilwerth Saxophones (Germany), D’Addario Reeds (USA) and Lomax Classic Mouthpieces (“The Andy Firth Jazz Series”, USA).

“The first time I heard Andy Firth play, I was amazed…that was more than 35 years ago…I’m still amazed!” James Morrison (D Mus A.M)

More information about Andy Firth

Meet Sheriden Nelson-Featured Vocalist

Sheriden began performing on stage at the tender age of four. Initially a dancer, her life took a turn in high school when she was cast as the lead singer in a rock and roll band for a student film. Around this time, she discovered jazz music, particularly the works of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, which ignited her passion for the genre. Though she pursued a career in dance until her mid-20s, a suggestion from a music producer to write songs led her to record and release several music projects. However, her heart always belonged to jazz, and in 2010, Sheriden and her brother formed their band, Half Nelson, in which they continue to perform together. She loves all kinds of jazz and is thrilled to collaborate with some of Newcastle’s finest jazz musicians.

Meet Graeme Reynold-Trumpet & Flugel

Graeme Reynolds is a seasoned and versatile trumpet player with a career spanning over four decades. Since 1978, he has delighted audiences in Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney, Hobart, and Newcastle, performing across diverse musical styles, from symphony orchestras to Rock, Blues, Funk, and Latin bands.
Graeme’s musical journey started with formal trumpet lessons from Standish Roberts, former principal trumpet player of the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra (ASO). He later pursued a B.A. in Performing Music and a B.MUS (Honours) degree from the University of Adelaide, along with a Master of Business from the University of New South Wales. His expertise extends to a Licentiate in Trumpet Performance from Trinity College of London.
Notably, Graeme has played prominent roles in musicals such as Evita, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables, and Cats, showcasing his exceptional talent. Additionally, he has performed with international and local legends such as Ray Charles, Shirley Bassey, Kenny Rogers, Tim Rice and Elaine Page. Graeme’s contributions go beyond live performances, having recorded on radio jingles, Australian cast recordings, and numerous commercial band tracks.

Meet Jason Nelson-Trombone/Vocals

Early Beginnings
• Started playing the trombone at age 8.
• Received his first trombone at age 10.
• Participated in Brass and Concert bands.
• Achieved the title of undefeated solo champion from ages 10 to 17.
Notable Performances
• Performed with Vegemite Reggae, leading Newcastle Band during the 1980s, played with Sitting Ducks and Madding Crowd, an indie band, played free Improvised Music.
• Jason Holds a Master of Arts in Improvised Interdisciplinary Performance Art/Music.
• Collaborated with numerous bands and participated in various festivals including: Port Fairy Folk Festival, Queenscliff Festival, Monsalvat Jazz Festival, Moey, Merimbula, Ballarat, Forbes, Milked Cows, Bathurst, Geelong, Newcastle Jazz Festivals and Conventions.
•Attended the Karlheinz Stockhausen workshops in Kurten, Germany in 2005
On return to Newcastle (2007)
• Co-founder and leader of Half Nelson (Jazz).
• Performed in other bands including: The White Band (Latin), Rubix Cuba (Ska), Glenny Rae’s Playboys (Western Swing), Afro Moses (Afro Reggae), The Tooksie Collective (Sexy Jazz Funk), Zoe K (Soul/Funk), Bakoomba (Afro Fusion), Swing Company (Swing band), Grant Warmsley Freebird (Blues), Cornstalk (Roots and Blues), Big Band Therapy (Big Band Swing), The Dungeon Jazz Big Band, Gambirra Mob (Indigenous Roots music), Andy Firth’s Nova Swing (Traditional Jazz), The Andy Firth Big Band (Big Band Jazz) and most recently, The Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band (Retro Styles from 1920-1980)
Jason’s extensive experience reflects a vibrant and dynamic career in music, showcasing versatility across genres and a commitment to performance.

Meet Gareth Lewis-Baritone Sax

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Gareth is a saxophonist now based in Newcastle, NSW. Australia. Since relocating to Australia in 2009, he has become an integral part of the local music scene, collaborating with some of the country’s most respected composers and musicians including Andy Firth, Harry James Angus, and Gavin Ahearn.
Gareth has established himself as a versatile and sought-after saxophonist within Newcastle’s thriving music scene and currently, he performs with several diverse groups including local Newcastle groups, 3 Degrees, The Dungeon Jazz Big Band, The Terence Koo Quartet and Sax Blue. Gareth also played in The Andy Firth Big Band and now The Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band.
An interesting twist to Gareth and Andy’s connection with each other is that Gareth was part of a school excursion to see Diana Krall and the Tommy Banks All Star Big Band in Vancouver, Canada in 1999 in which Andy was playing alto sax and was a featured guest soloist with this band. The two musicians didn’t meet on this occasion until years later when Andy, (completely unaware of Gareth’s presence at this 1999 concert), invited Gareth to play in The Andy Firth Big Band, based in Newcastle! It’s little wonder then that people say, “it’s a small world”.

Meet Rachel Hamilton-Piano/ Keyboards

Rachel Hamilton has been playing the piano since the age of 7. Originally trained as a classical pianist, Rachel completed a Bachelor of Music at Newcastle Conservatorium before studying Music Therapy at the University of Technology, Sydney, and enjoys playing in traditional jazz bands at festivals, concerts and jazz conventions around Australia.
Career highlights include performing in New Orleans at the French Quarter Festival, playing in bands with her husband and children and having the opportunity to make music with the talented musicians in the Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band. Rachel also spends her time teaching piano, accompanying singers, choirs and instrumentalists and working as a Registered Music Therapist in aged care and with children with special needs.

Meet Craig Goeldner-Bass

Craig began his musical journey with tuba lessons at Broadmeadow High School, which later became the Hunter School of the Performing Arts. He advanced through the school’s band program, ultimately serving as Band Leader and winning both State and National Concert Band championships. After graduating, Craig embarked on a career as a Quantity Surveyor while continuing his passion for music serving 25 years as a reserve member of the Australian Army Band in Newcastle, NSW. Australia. During this time, he refined his skills on both bass guitar and double bass, performing at venues across Australia.
Today, Craig is the director of his own Quantity Surveying firm, yet remains deeply committed to music. He regularly plays sousaphone and double bass with several local jazz bands and is thrilled to be part of the Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band. Craig’s love of music is shared by his wife and three children, and performing alongside his family remains his favourite accomplishment.

Meet Tyson Hilder-Drums

Tyson Hilder was born into a musical family. His mother played piano, and his father played guitar and so it was only a matter of time until he would pick up an instrument and start playing as well. Growing up within the church, Tyson would play drums most weekends with his family, and it was during this time that he found a real passion for music. At the age of 7, he started playing drums, and by 11, he had commenced formal lessons. Since then, he has found music to be not just his passion; he has made it his vocation as well.

Attending HSPA (Hunter School of the Performing Arts), he was taught by Nic Cecire and later Nick Bukey. After he finished his schooling, he decided to pursue education and later music via a Master of Teaching at Avondale University and then a Bachelor of Music at the Australian Institute of Music, where he continued to develop under the guidance of Andy Gander, Nic Cecire, Chris Fields, Greg Coffin, and Gary Holgate.

Tyson has performed and recorded with many artists, showcasing music from a wide range of styles, where he has been involved with countless festivals and events around Australia. Some of these artists include Amy Vee, Matt Cross, 3 Degrees Brass Band, Origami Birds, Bleu Collective, Adam Miller, and FelixQuinnMusic.

Tyson is always keen to expand his performance and musical styles experience, and so his role as the drummer for The Andy Firth Retro-Swing Band is a perfect fit for this ambition.