In 1969 Barry Wratten moved from Melbourne to Sydney to join Geoff Bull's Olympia Jazz Band, subsequently recording 3 albums (2 of them are now in reissue on the G.H.B. label) & touring throughout England & Europe. The band was the 'Ships Orchestra' on the Sitmar Line Pacific/Atlantic route.
In Sydney Barry also performed with visiting American jazzmen 'Kid' Thomas Valentine, Louis Nelson, Alvin Alcorn, 'Little-Brother' Montgomery & others. An Arts Council of Australia tour with the Olympia Jazz Band was most memorable!
Barry was also a member of and recorded with the bands of Graeme Bell, Roger Janes, Nick Boston and also led his own band at the Sydney Jazz Club.
On a visit to New Orleans in 1980 Barry played at the opening ceremonies for the 'Louis Armstrong Memorial Jazz Park'. The first of many later appearances!
In 1982 Barry moved permanently to New Orleans, returning only recently after 16 years! In the 'Crescent City' Barry managed his own 'Pelicans' and worked with many of his teenage 'heroes'... many, like Percy & Willie Humphrey, Preston Jackson, Jeannette Kimball, Justin Adams, Chester Zardis, Danny Barker & a host of others are regarded as outstanding pioneers of Early New Orleans Jazz.
Barry spent 10 years with trumpet player & composer Dave Bartholomew, often better known as the writer & arranger of all of 'Fats' Dominos' hits. He was also a member of Teddy Riley's Royal Jazz & Brass Bands. With these musicians Barry toured the U.S.A. appearing at numerous festivals and club dates. These included 12 years in succession performing at the prestigious New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival and also on occasion at the venerable Preservation Hall.
The Pelican Jazz Band were chosen as the sole entertainment for the New Orleans reception of President George Bush at historical Gallier House in 1988. Several other historically maintained reception facilities such as Napoleon House and Herman Grima House were also regular venues.
The Pelicans performed at the Jazz Clubs Can Can, Mahogany Hall, Storyville Jazz Hall, The Maple Leaf Bar and the famous French Market. Also at many private functions and public concerts at the hotels Le Meridian, Marriott, Hilton Sheraton, Fairmont and The Windsor Court.
For 12 years Barry hosted his own Jazz Program twice a week on New Orleans' own Community Radio WWOZ 90.7 F.M. presenting a wide range of Jazz & Blues with an historic perspective on the music, including live interviews & performances from octogenarians and teenagers alike!
With all the above experiences - and many more! - Barry brings to each performance a great and genuinely felt love for the music to which he has devoted his life; which coupled with his historic knowledge if needs be, he is able to enthuse his audience.
Why the 'Pelican'? Prolific on our own beautiful shores it is also the official 'State Bird' of Louisiana.
The Pelicans CD 'BANDROOM', recorded live at Chapel Off Chapel, is now available.