About the Artists

Sandie White – Vocals

Like a migratory bird drawn to the most vibrant musical landscapes, Sandie’s career has taken her across continents, where She has enchanted audiences in television’s golden era and shared the stage with some of the greats—Lionel Hampton, Zoot Sims, and Oscar Pettiford, to name a few.

Whether headlining at Ronnie Scott’s in London, dazzling crowds at Birdland NYC, or curating Sydney’s most exclusive underground jazz club, The Sardine Can, Sandie brings passion, authenticity, and world-class musicianship to every performance.

Sandie collaborated with American born Pianist, the late Vince Genova,  on the acclaimed LP Angel Eyes, became a fixture at Terrace Vale Winery in the Hunter Valley, and held residencies at Quincy’s in Cremorne and Top of The Treasury at the Intercontinental Hotel, Sydney.

She also played a pivotal role in Mark Murphy’s first Australian Jazz Singers Summit and appeared alongside Mark in ABC TV’s “Don Burrow’s The Supper Club Presents”.

Even now, the story of Sandie White keeps on going, each performance another chapter in a tale of passion, resilience, and artistic excellence.   Continually working with the greats of Australian Jazz – such as Kevin Hunt, Peter Locke, Eric Ajaye, Craig Scott, Jim Piesse, Jim Pennell, Phil Stack, Hugh Barrett and many others, hers is a voice that carries the history of jazz itself—a living testament.

Sandie is not just a singer, she is an experience.

Eric Ajaye – Bass

Eric Ajaye was born in Brooklyn, New York, and moved to Los Angeles, California, with his family at an early age. He studied violin for nine years before switching to bass.

In college, Eric studied bass under Buell Neidlinger at California Institute of the Arts, where he was on full scholarship. While in Los Angeles, Eric’s music career included many aspects of the music industry, such as recording albums with artists from Chris Thomas, Osamu Kitajima, Bill Cosby to Chaka Khan, television and film soundtracks, and numerous television and radio commercials. He was a member of the rhythm section in those situations and also played in the orchestra double bass sections.

Eric moved to Australia in 1998 and has worked with many of Australia’s top jazz artists accompanying them at jazz festivals, in jazz clubs, and on recording sessions. Eric is the curator of the Jazz Haus Canberra and is the presenter on ABC JAZZ for the programs Jazz Legends and Classic Albums.

Kevin Hunt – Piano

Kevin Hunt plays jazz piano in his vibrant original style, with over 30 years performing and composition experience.

Kevin’s passion for the piano began when his father Ellis taught him to play. Kevin then followed in his brothers’ footsteps and played brass instruments in the school band and started playing keyboards in rock bands.

Kevin Hunt has performed regularly on the Sydney jazz scene since 1979.
In 1981 Kevin studied jazz and compositon at the Sydney Conservatorium.

In 2001 Kevin studied piano and composition in New York City with a scholarship from the Australian Elizabethan Theatre Trust. Kevin completed a Masters in Jazz performance in 2004, under the supervision of Bill Motzing and Phil Slater, with piano tuition from Stephanie McCallum.

Kevin teaches jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium and is currently doing a PhD on the jazz capabilities of the Australian made Stuart & Sons piano.

Jim Piesse – Drums

Jim’s broad musical experience includes playing and touring with well-known Australian and international artists. Jim first studied at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, later going to the U.S.A. to learn from the famous Murray Spivack and Ed Soph.

As Musical Director for The Kinsmen, Jim played an extended season in Las Vegas, leading a band of first-call local musicians. Jim has toured extensively in the U.S.A., at the same time taking the opportunity to learn from some of the world’s great teachers.

Jim has also played for the Australian seasons of shows such as Company, Little Shop of Horrors, 42ndStreet, Charlie Girl, No,No Nanette and Joseph’s Technicolour Dreamcoat.

Most recently Jim’s musicianship has won him gigs with David Hobson and Marina Prior.