John Pochée OAM

Who is John Pochée OAM?

John Pochée, is an Australian jazz drummer and bandleader. As drummer, bandleader and organizer he has played a major role in the history of Australian jazz.

His career as a professional musician began in 1956. He formed The Last Straw in 1974 and also played with the Judy Bailey Quartet from 1974 to 1979. Since 1978 he has played, recorded and toured internationally with The Last Straw, The Judy Bailey Quartet, The Engine Room, Ten Part Invention and Bernie McGann's trios and quartets. As a drummer he is an unusual stylist, playing left handed on a right handed drum kit.

The Last Straw won an ARIA award for Best Australian Jazz Record in 1990 and the Bernie McGann Trio has won 4 ARIA awards for Best Australian Jazz Record.

With his own bands and the Bernie McGann trio he has won five ARIA and five 'MO' awards.

John Pochée received the Australian Jazz Critic's Award for drums in 1990 and 1992. In 1992 he also performed an improvised duet with the celebrated Classical pianist Roger Woodward AC MBE at The Sydney Spring Festival. He was elected to the Monsalvat Jazz Festival Roll of Honour in 1996.