Axle Whitehead left the VCA (Victorian College of Arts) in 2001 to pursue his career in jazz. Whilst studying there he developed a fantastic rapport with Bob and Steve Sedergreen, with whom he has worked closely ever since. The Sedergreens introduced him to musicians such as David Jones, Matt Clohesy and Ted Vining. Axle found himself playing around Melbourne clubs, Dizzy’s and Bennett’s Lane. He gained a reputation for being, “Melbourne’s hot new male vocalist, taking audiences by storm,” (Dizzy’s program July 2002.). He was booked for Festivals and Openings such as Melbourne Int. Jazz Fest and Port Fairy Fest. Playing gigs along side Deborah Conway and Killing Heidi enhanced Axle’s reputation. Axle has a real, “Let’s take a risk attitude”, (AGE 6th Aug) towards his music.|He is not afraid to push the boundaries and break new ground with his improvisation. He brings “original and spontaneous elements into an engaging vocal delivery.” (Port Fairy Mus. Fest. Oct 02’) You can expect his repertoire to range anywhere between a re-arranged Rodgers and Hart standard, to personally interpreted Sting or Stevie Wonder tunes. You’ll always be in for an exciting and fresh night of jazz, “Watch a star in the making.” (Dizzy’s, Dec 02’)
Axle has also embarked on an acting career - his roles include “The Secret Life of Us”, “Stingers” and feature films such as “Ned Kelly” with Heath Ledger and Geoffrey Rush. Not too long ago, Axle has hosted the World Aids Day Concert at Federation Square as well as head-lined the concert with The Axle Whitehead Project. Now known as The Axle Whitehead Band |
