Tra La La and The Fancy Pants
Soul Enriching Sultry Jazz, Blue Eyed Soul, Latin, Rhythm & Blues
with a touch of Cabaret
Soul Enriching Sultry Jazz, Blue-Eyed Soul, Latin, R&B – with a Touch of Cabaret
Prepare to be transported by an unforgettable blend of soulful jazz, smooth blue-eyed soul, infectious Latin rhythms, and classic rhythm & blues – all seasoned with a playful touch of cabaret.
Our ensemble of talented musicians and vocalist will take you on a musical journey filled with passion, groove, and a dash of comedy, delivering a performance that is both heartfelt and delightfully entertaining.
Be it you’re swaying to a sultry ballad, tapping your feet to a Latin groove, or smiling through a cheeky cabaret number, this is music that moves the soul and lifts the spirit.
Join us for an afternoon of music that’s as rich and varied as the stories it tells.
The Fancy Pants are:
GEORGE ON PIANO
Multifaceted Australian jazz pianist, arranger and composer George Barras began studying piano at a young age in Sydney initially with his mother who also came from a long line of musicians. It wasn’t till his mid teens that George became engrossed with Blues and Boogie Woogie inspired by Count Basie, Ray Charles and Errol Garner, inspiring George to form his own combos whilst still in high school. This lead to his studying at the NSW Conservatorium under American Jazz Educator Howie Smith and a lifelong melding of musicality, technique, and concept.
George has had the good fortune to have performed with the best of Australian and International artists and continues his never ending musical journey from his home base of Sydney.
JOHN ON BASS
Seasoned Australian bass player John, began his musical journey as a teenager in Wagga Wagga when he first picked up a string bass. Self-taught and driven by instinct, John honed his craft until he landed his first gig with a local band featuring regional star Col Noye. This early experience lit the path to a broader musical adventure.
Relocating to Sydney, John joined the band of the enigmatic Black Allan before seizing an extraordinary opportunity to perform for troops during the Vietnam War. This led to a prestigious engagement in Hong Kong with celebrated musicians Len Young and Tony Curby. Embracing the thriving music scene, John extended his stay, performing alongside local luminaries such as Perry Martin and Donald Ashley.
His international career flourished when he joined Italian bandleader Roberto Fracasini, touring extensively through Hong Kong, Japan, and Guam. Upon returning to Sydney, John formed a longstanding duo at the renowned Le Rive Gauche in Darlinghurst with accomplished classical guitarist and flautist Peter, performing an eclectic mix of standards, classical, and pop.
Eventually settling in Canberra, John became a fixture of the city’s jazz scene, performing for many years with the Charlie Russell Trio at Bogarts Restaurant. From the dance halls of Asia to the intimate clubs of Australia, John’s deep rhythmic sensibility and global experience continue to resonate in every note he plays.
HANS ON DRUMS
Hans Bos started playing drums with a marching band in a community project age 6 came to Australia in 1974 started playing in various pub bands around the country. Came to Sydney in 1981 and joined the “Silhouettes”, later known as “The Introverts”, a Sydney band that supported some of the bigger Australian bands, such as Midnight Oil, Inxs, Dragon, and Divynels, among many others.
He was also a founding member of “Bring Philip”, a band that went on to some level of success in Europe. Hans has been studying jazz for the last 15 years as that has always been his great ambition and he had the privilege of being able to play jazz for the last 5 years with various Sydney musicians.
TRA LA LA VOCALS
Tra La la began her performing career at the tender age of 3 as a bag of gold in Jack and the beanstalk.
From the role of an inanimate object, many years of singing, dancing and professional acting have followed (www.tracyhardwickonline.com/acting)
This performance / cabaret is the result of many years collecting beautiful uplifting arrangements of songs. And the desire to share this music with other artists, and of course, the audience.
A combination of Julie London, Peggy Lee, Randy Crawford, Jehro, Jason Mraz, Matt Belsante, Mart’nalia, and Elaine Stritch arrangements of sexy samba, blue eyed jazz, uplifting soul.
Add harmonies from our band and definitely some comedy and dance.
And there you have it folks. An afternoon of bespoke cabaret.
Let There Be Love
Orange Colored Sky
Everybody’s Talking
Are You Having Any Fun 1
Are You Having Any Fun 2
Shows can also come with choreography and a dancer
Let The Sun Shine (Tra La La Original)
Moments (Tra La La Original)
Come On Over (Tra La La Original)
Vocal Recording of “Le Present” by Tra La La x Gabin
Tra La La and The Fancy Pants have a great variety of songs which can be performed
For the Fancy Pants Cabaret Show we include elegant big band arrangements of
Make Someone Happy (Margaret Whiting version)
Goody Goody (Julie London version)
Smile (Trinity Lopez)
Orange Coloured Sky (Natalie Cole )
Everybody’s Talking (Joe Sample and Randy Crawford version)
Let There Be Love (Laura Fygi)
All I Want (Jehro)
Be Honest (Jason Mraz)
Simply The Best (Billianne)
Fly Me To The Moon (Julie London and Gregory Porter version)
Are You Having Any Fun (Elaine Stritch)
Don’t Worry Be Happy (Martnalia version)
When You’re Smiling (Matt Belsante)
I’m Beginning To See The Light (Seal version)
The Glory of Love (Ann Hampton Callaway, John Pizzarelli version)
We also sing originals
Covers of most jazz standards
musical theatre
Blue eyed soul
And uplifting Christmas favourites and a few rare Yuletide songs