The Gold Coast City Jazz Club features many great talents. It’s easy to forget that these wonderful artists each have a story beyond the few hours they spend entertaining us. This month, July 2024, John Conley is in the spotlight.  

From humble beginnings stumbling across his High School’s Double Bass to performing in one of Australia’s most well-known jazz bands ‘The Galapagos Duck’, John Conley has become a household name throughout the jazz industry. 

Can you tell us a little about your history in music? 

I played piano and violin in primary school and at about 12, learnt classical guitar at the Canberra School of Music. Once I found the High Schools’ Double Bass, I played that at school and in the Canberra Youth Orchestra. I studied at the NSW Conservatorium in the newly set up Jazz Studies program with Howie Smith, Don Burrows, George Golla and Judy Bailey. I played and recorded with the band ‘Out To Lunch’, the Serge Ermoll Quartet and with Winnifred Atwell, Col Nolan, Errol Buddle among many others before I joined the Galapagos Duck in 1981.

What has been the highlight of your career as a musician? 

The highlight of my career, although I didn’t know it then, was the time I spent at The Basement Nightclub in Sydney getting paid for playing jazz.

Can you tell us a little about how Galapagos Duck came to be?

The Galapagos Duck started in the late 60s in ‘The Kosciusko Chalet’ at Charlotte’s Pass NSW during the snow season. Tom Hare was playing the Drums and became friendly with Bruce Viles who was the under manager. Tom and Bruce later opened The Basement in Sydney around 1974. The ‘Duck’ at the Basement included Tom Hare (Saxes/Trumpet), the Qua brothers Willy (Drums) and Chris (Bass), Marty Mooney (Saxes) and Doug Robson (Piano). This residency was where the band became well known. 

How has Galapagos Duck evolved over the years?

The Band has evolved out of necessity over the years, but each change has bought a different perspective to the music. The band has made about 12 Albums and the development of the band can be traced through these recordings. At present the band is performing with Dave Spicer (Keys), Rod Ford (Percussion/Vocals), Adam Thomas (Saxes), Mal Wood (Trumpet/Vocals) and myself (Bass).

What advice do you have for a rookie player?

Simply to listen and play music continuously. Quality instruction is important to get the optimal instrumental technique and the basics of music theory, however, time with your instrument is the most necessary and rewarding activity.

What do you like about performing at the GCCJC?

The Gold Coast City Jazz club is a wonderful place to perform due mainly to the receptive nature of the audience who love their Jazz. It also helps to have a great management team and a venue and sound system that promotes a great playing environment.