Dr. Baz -
aka Barrington Ferrier
accordian, piano, guitar, vocals
Byron Bay, NSW is one of the most vibrant music scenes in Australia, well known to travellers from all over the world. Dr. Baz has been one of the originators of creative music in the Byron region since the early 80's, the first musician to play at the famous Railway Friendly Bar and John "Strop" Cornell's Beach Hotel, Baz has played in a huge variety of combos showcasing the talent that has emanated from this unique part of the world. He has won four North Coast Entertainment Industry Association's "Dolphin" Awards, including 2 for Best Blues Artist, as well as numerous other awards for his songs & soundtracks. While best known as an accomplished guitarist, and boogie woogie piano player, Dr. Baz takes up the accordian for his partnership with Slim, to create a unusual, blend of rhythmic Cajun and Delta Blues influences.
B.J. Ferrier has had an interesting musical career with some fascinating credits to his name. He has had a prolific theatrical background which has included acting in the original Aussie production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" in Sydney, and has written several musicals and an opera on the life of Melbourne gangster Squizzy Taylor, which have been performed and recorded. He worked as musical director and composer for several years at the Queensland Peforming Arts Centre in Brisbane including a ground-breaking multimedia performance in the Concert Hall entitled "Dreams & Machines". He played bass with chart-topping 70's pop group the Ferrets. He has opened for blues legend John Hammond, and for Ry Cooder with David Lindley (at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne), as well as supporting eminent Australian acts including Cold Chisel, Icehouse, Dragon, the Black Sorrows, & the Divynals with his group Giant Steps . He was musical director / guitarist for the legendary Eartha Kitt on her 1992 Australian national tour, which included a nationally televised live performance at the Gold Coast International Jazz & Blues Festival. He has also backed Nathan Cavalieri, Dobie Gray, Gordon Waller of "Peter & Gordon" fame, and worked with Stevie Wright and John Paul Young.
He has been a recording artist for R.C.A. International and performed on the legendary Australian music-industry television show Countdown on the ABC, hosted by the late Shirley Strahan . Other Web-sites:
download Countdown Titles quicktime movie
[ 329 kb ]
Dr. Baz has recently recorded an album of his original classical guitar music compositions entitled Pieces of Gold
