As on his last visit in November 2014, the band features George Washingmachine (violin/ukele/vocals), Clare O’Meara (accordian/vocals), Arthur Washington (guitar), Jerry Washington (guitar), and Stan Valacos (double bass).

That was a great night, and the Down South Jazz Club is looking forward to their upcoming performance. 

George Washingmachine, who is Russian born, has had a vast and varied career in the entertainment business. As a child he trained for seven years as a classical violinist, leaving that behind to form a rhythm and blues band as guitarist, until 1984, when he moved to Sydney and started playing jazz fiddle with The Conway Brothers Hiccup Orchestra.

George and his band are doing another national tour with “Feel the Manouche”. Manouche is a term derived from the Romany gypsies of Europe, what we in Australia call gypsy jazz.

This fine band has been put together by its individual members as an exercise in small group swing and George has toured extensively overseas. Feel the Manouche has a 'world music' feel.

Through its use of double bass, guitar, accordion and fiddle, the band achieves a strong melodic groove that can take on gypsy waltzes, swing jazz, and many other flavours of music from our diverse planet. 

Clare O’Meara is a professional musician from Sydney with a career spanning the last two decades.  

She is a multi-instrumentalist/songwriter and artist in her own right and brings fiddle, piano accordion and harmonies to the line-up. She has toured and recorded with virtually all Australian contemporary music artists and bands both nationally and internationally.

Guitarists Arthur and Jerry Washington, happen to be George’s two sons. Arthur, who has impressive guitar skills, apparently told the press he became “obsessed” with the guitar when he broke his knee in Year 7. Jerry is a young gun on the jazz guitar and the backbone of the rhythm section. He is an artist and has taken part in various group shows.

Stan Valacos has played regularly with different groups led by Geoff Bull, along with the Paul Furniss trio and other combinations. He is in high demand by most leading musicians on the Sydney jazz scene. 

The Club Sapphire bistro opens at 6pm with its extensive menu, and music will commence at 7.30pm. Cost is $15 for jazz club members and $20 for visitors. Table bookings can be made by ringing Aileen or Kevin on 6495 9853, or will be available at the door.