Local musician Steve Wright was born, raised, and educated in Maryborough. Growing up in the suburb of Baddow, Steve enjoyed a semi-rural childhood, along with his three sisters and has wonderful memories of bike rides through the abundant bushland, creeks, and riverbanks, especially around the Baddow House area. These youthful adventures often involved exploring the natural surroundings and indulging in guava-picking from native trees along the riverbanks.
At the age of fifteen Steve worked as a boy labourer in a foundry at Walkers Limited Engineering. His family was not particularly musically inclined, save for one uncle who played the drums. This uncle introduced Steve to drumming with afternoon lessons that ignited his passion for music. Steve then joined the local brass band. From there his proficiency on the drums continued to grow.
Little did he know at that time that he would forge an unexpectedly long and exciting career as a working drummer and percussionist, playing a broad range of music including jazz, blues, big band, funk/rock, musical theatre, and orchestral percussion.
The first cover band Steve joined was a Maryborough band called ‘Shadow Fax’, he stayed with the band until it broke up.
Steve says, “In the '80s, the pub and club scene was great here. At that stage, I was playing in three cover bands and there were lots of venues to play at. Today, there are more bands but fewer venues who want them, now a lot of venues only use solo artists. a definite reversal from the past.
In 1995, Steve left Maryborough to pursue his education at James Cook University in Townsville. Initially pursuing an arts degree, he later received offers to specialise in Archaeology, Anthropology, and Geography, ultimately opting for Archaeology. Financial constraints led him to defer his studies, during which time he worked as a sheet metal worker. However, a full-time teaching opportunity with TAFE emerged, compelling him to put his degree on hold while he embarked on a rewarding teaching career, specialising in Technologies Studies.
While working full-time, Steve actively participated in various musical projects, including small jazz combos, a local big band, the Barrier Reef Orchestra of North Queensland, and musical theatre.
His passion for jazz music grew during his time in Townsville, expanding from traditional jazz to more advanced styles, including bebop, cool jazz, and jazz fusion.
Steve describes the town as having a thriving jazz culture. This transition allowed him to elevate his drumming skills, network with other musicians, and secure paid gigs around the Sunshine Coast and beyond, even upon return to the Fraser Coast.
Over the years, Steve has been very fortunate to have worked with many Australian and international bands and artists both in Queensland and Europe. His highlights to date include performances with Australian music icons such as Don Burrows, Julie Anthony, and comedy duo “Scared Weird Little Guys”.
Steve cherishes the compliments he has received from fellow musicians and considers accolades from renowned figures like Errol Buddle as some of the highest praise.
Eventually, all the hard work culminated with invitations to perform at both the 2016 and 2019 opening gala concerts for the international music festival “EUROPAfest” held in Bucharest, Romania which led to being invited back in 2023, but this time as a member of the international jury for the prestigious Bucharest International Jazz Competition and to present jazz drumming workshops. Steve was impressed by the exceptional talent displayed by young musicians from various countries around the world.
Steve has called Hervey Bay home since 2008 and collaborates with a wide range of musicians, both locally and across the country as his dedication to his craft continues. His experience serves as a testament to the transformative power of music and the boundless possibilities that can arise when one embraces new opportunities.
By Kim Parnell
From What’s On Fraser Coast
