James Willing
Masha Mnjoyan
Goodfellas
James’ background could be described as eclectic, having a degree in Psychology but working in the IT, marketing and property industries. This was a precursor to an early life crisis involving selling almost everything he owned and moving over to Bali Indonesia where he started his surfboard label, “The Source Surfboards”.
The journey to Indonesia started as a means to escape routine, to stray from mundane paths already been worn in by many. It all catalyzed while stuck in traffic in his suit and tie one day on the way to work, to his prison on the 16th floor of an office building, He made the decision right then to head towards something more unknown. Whilst travelling he embraced his affinity for music, and the fulfillment it gave him while performing and writing.
It was while in the remoteness of Indonesian specifically Northern Sumatra That James wrote the songs for his EP, “More than I could afford”. James doesn’t feel he could have written them in any other surroundings or situation. His music is a product of his life, it reflects who he is and how he became, and perhaps who he will be. Some is joyous and celebratory, some is heart wrenchingly sad and melancholic, but there can be beauty in the midst of great sadness and he hopes that notion shines through.
James’ life is based around music, the ocean and love, and not specifically in that order. He has discovered that with these three things in his life he is fulfilled, he is at peace.
jameswilling.com.au
Masha Mnjoyan is the official winner of the Voice of Armenia 2013. She is the winner of International Completions like “Violet Nana 2008” in Batumi and “Alania 2010” in Turkey. She performed on Eurovision in 2016.
She also recently reached the finals in the Australian Voice before losing to a controversial choice.
The Goodfellas band is made up of a group of terrific musicians who just love to play music together.
Each player a unique entity each carrying their own special story and bag of musical tricks to the Goodfellas stage. A gig with the fellas is always, exciting, colourful, funny, and entertaining, thoughtful, fast, slow and in between. It’s hard to pin a style on the band as there are way too many influences they draw from. Always keen to explore so it’s always a musical adventure.
You will know you’ve been around musicians who have truly paid their dues in the industry, completely devoid of the “showbiz” agenda. It’s a love for music and friendship that formed this band.
The whole idea of the band and its naming was that you had to be a good fella, (guy or gal) to play in the line-up. Always a great recipe for great music.
MARK OATS (fiddle) & MATT ZARB (guitar, vocals and other bits & pieces) are a story in themselves have been playing music together since 1986 and never tire of stepping the stage together to make their musical mischief. Whenever they are together it’s a true recipe for a laugh but fantastic music and energy. Mark Australia’s original rapscallion, sensational fiddler and Matty the jack of all trades singer songwriter. Both Mark and Matty have had huge colourful careers that have taken them both all over the world and flavoured all they do in any given show in that fly by the seat of your pants manner.
SCOTT GREENAWAY (Bass, vocals ) is everyone’s favourite bass player and for good reason. Whatever line up he is part of he stamps his signature Scotty G colour and three dimensions into the simplest or complex pieces in a way that only he can. Scotty, originally from the Manning Valley spent many years away touring with Aussie country headline bands all over the country. He also had his time in the Nashville scene.
A few years back he returned, settled back in the valley where he and Mick re connected, joined up with Matty to form the three piece band “Three Good Fellas”.
ANTHONY WALMSLEY (Guitar) has had huge career as one of Australia’s favourite guitar players. He’s played guitar for just about everyone who’s anyone in the country music industry. Known and much loved for his beautiful guitar skills and wicked sense of humour, the Tamworth born and bred guitar master player leaves a huge imprint on any project and ices the cake with the Goodfellas.
HESTER FRAZER, (Piano, vocals) is well known in her solo realm as (GOLDHIEST) She, amid all the fellas is the “Fellarina” in the band.
She adds a beautifully powerful dimension that extends the sound with her stunning voice, beautiful piano playing, signature sound and presence. She tells and sings her stories and weaves her magic into the band.
MICHAEL EYB (Drums, vocals) has been for years the Manning Valley’s “Go to drummer” and much loved with all the chops and awesome energy. He has taught countless young people to play drums and is a regular part of the Entertainment Centre’s house band. His drumming is an extension of his good vibe and is a show in itself.
“The energizer” plays harder than ten year old concrete when it’s on and like a breeze when it’s a breeze.