Jazz Echoes

Jazz Echoes Trio include some of Brisbane’s finest jazz musicians. Collectively they have performed through Australia,USA,Europe and Asia. The smooth Saxophone of Gabriel Vatavu combines perfectly with the groove of Pamela Ashman (acoustic bass) and Brett Fowler ( piano), creating a sound that is both melodic and interactive. This trio has the versatility to provide background music or perform as a feature act. 

Gabriel Vatavu (Saxophones & Clarinet) started on clarinet as a child in his home country of Romania. Some of his career highlights are:  playing as soloist at the age of 14 with the Brasov Philharmonic Orchestra for the Festival of Youth, baritone saxophone player in The National Radio Big band Orchestra from Bucharest, saxophones and clarinet player for a Musical Theatre in Bucharest, performed as a guest artist with the George Enesco Philharmonic Orchestra,  toured Europe with the New York Opera , had a musicians contract in Japan for two years, numerous participations in  CD releases, recordings, TV and radio shows. At the moment he is performing in Tempo Rouge, the stage spectacular at The Jupiters Casino Theatre.

Pamela Ashman (Acoustic Bass) performs in a range of jazz ensembles around Brisbane, being introduced to the music scene when attending high school in Rockhampton and moving to Brisbane in 1999 to complete a Bachelor of Music at Queensland University of Technology. Playing in the QUT Big Band, Soul’d Out Big Band and performing and touring for 5 years with Scat Man Du jazz trio, Touring regularly for the Queensland Arts Council and a range of agencies. Currently performing regularly around Brisbane and teaching full-time instrumental music for Education Queensland, also currently tutoring in music education at Griffith University. 

Brett Fowler (Piano) began piano lessons at around age 12, and after discovering ‘Billy Joel’ music has been his true passion, and he has always sought to “play it all”. Having played professionally for the past 13 years Brett has truly enjoyed the opportunity to play in a diverse range of styles. Apart from his obvious inclination towards contemporary styles, Brett’s loves jazz and consequently he is driven to understanding all aspects of this music,  "Jazz Echoes" provides him with a great vehicle for jazz improvisation. Brett currently teaches piano, accompanies for ballet and contemporary dance classes at Queensland University of Technology and gigs regularly with a range of bands.