THE HON MARK DREYFUS QC MP
SHADOW ATTORNEY-GENERAL
SHADOW MINISTER FOR THE ARTS
MEMBER FOR ISAACS
DEATH OF ALLAN BROWNE JAZZ DRUMMER AND COMPOSER
Allan Browne, Australian jazz great, has died in Melbourne, aged 70.
We mourn his passing, and salute his great contribution to Australian jazz over fifty years.
He was due to play at Bennetts Lane, a venue with which he was closely identified, at its final session on Monday night. He played Bennetts Lane on Monday nights almost weekly since 1993.
Jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky said that Allan Browne was the most important jazz musician Melbourne has produced.
He shared his knowledge and experience with generations of young musicians.
He established the Red Onions Band in the 1960s, which toured extensively overseas, and more recently the quartet Onaje.
He launched his most recent album, Ithaca Bound, only a fortnight ago at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
He was awarded the OAM, the Don Banks Award, and an Australian Jazz Bell Hall of Fame Award.
Labor extends our condolences to his wife Margie, and their children Miles, Ollie, Billie, Stella and Hayley.
WEDNESDAY, 17 JUNE 2015
