COL LOUGHNAN - Tenor Sax & Composer/ Arranger

Born in Sydney 26th October 1942, Col began playing professionally in 1967. He played with Col Nolan's group "The Soul Syndicate" in 1969 and recorded the album "Whatever It's Worth" [CBS SBP 233621], joined The Daly-Wilson Big Band as arranger and featured Tenor Sax Soloist in 1969-1972 and recorded two albums with the band - "Live at the Cellblock" [EMI SCX07979] and "The Exciting Daly-Wilson Big Band" with Kerry Biddell [Festival SFL 934453].

He toured Canada in 1972 for the Australian Tourist Commission and studied in the United States for three months. In 1970-1973, he was the staff arranger for TCN 9 television. Then in 1972-1973, Col lived and worked in London doing sessions and live concerts throughout the United Kingdom.

In 1974, he returned to Australia to join and tour with the group 'Ayers Rock'. They recorded two albums "Big Red Rock" [Mushroom L35354] and "Beyond" [A&M SP4565], recorded in the USA. Toured USA twice with 'Ayers Rock' in 1975 and 1976, working the Concert Circuit. He studied and lived in the USA 1976-1977.

Returned to Australia and continued working as an arranger and session musician. He was Musical Director for Marcia Hines, John Farnham and Debbie Byrne's Television Specials on ABC TV in 1978-1980. He was also Musical Director for Australia "Pacific Song Contests", Christchurch, New Zealand, in 1979, and Ottawa, Canada, in 1980.

Toured the Far East twice as educator and Performer with the Judy Bailey Quartet in 1981 and 1986 for Musica Viva.

Col was voted best arranger "Yamaha Song Festival", Japan, in 1982.

1979-1987, he was lecturer in Saxophone and Arranging at NSW Conservatorium of Music.

Col has worked with many International artists, including: Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jnr, Shirley Bassey, Johnny Mathis - and jazz artists Freddie Hubbard, The Toshiko-Tabackin Orchestra, Chuck Finley and Georgie Fame.

Most recent recordings include a duo album with guitarist Steve Murphy, "Feel The Breeze", [Seaside YPRX1862], and "Morning", with The Electric Chamber Orchestra [WEA 2556671].

He has studied in the United States under Joe Allard, Victor Morosco and Eddie Daniels.

Col was a teacher for the Queensland Conservatorium of Music Jazz Department from 1994-1997, and is currently teaching at the NSW Conservatorium of Music Jazz Department in Sydney.