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THE JAMM TARTS
Leanne Douglas and Michelle Bunn have reunited after 25 years to form a refreshing new duo “The Jamm Tarts”. Not just your average duo, The Jamm Tarts have a distinctive “full band sound” thanks to Leanne’s awesome guitar licks and Michelle’s smooth rhythmic grooves. In addition to this, the girls have extended their knowledge and expertise to individually record and produce each backing track for every song, making The Jamm Tarts a truly unique act.
The pair first met in 1981, performing together in an all-girl country rock band based on the Central Coast. Following several years of touring NSW, Queensland and the ACT, Leanne and Michelle left the band to pursue their personal goals.
Leanne, who was the first woman to win the Tamworth Star Maker competition in 1981, went on to nab a Golden Guitar award for best new talent in 1983. Shortly after, she headed to Nashville where she lived and worked for the next 16 years. Fronting her band “The Surf Broads” on lead guitar and vocals, Leanne performed at festivals and clubs around South-Eastern USA, with the highlight being concerts at Graceland - Elvis Presley’s International Fan Club Show - and the grand opening of Elvis Presley’s Memphis restaurant on the legendary Beale street. Prior to her return to Australia, Leanne recorded 2 albums, “Under the Covers” - a collection of country favorites, and “My Yellow Guitar” - an all-guitar instrumental album featuring original tracks written by Leanne.
Meanwhile, Michelle went on to further her musical education, studying both locally and in Sydney with musically acclaimed tutors. She was awarded with Distinction and Honors for examinations in Drumkit, Pianoforte, Musicianship and Theory. Michelle also continued playing and singing in bands covering a wide variety of styles including jazz, rock, pop, country and funk. She performed on ABC television’s “The Don Burrows Collection” and toured NSW, and Victoria, appearing on GMV6 television in Shepperton with Desree Crawford. In 1989 she established the highly successful “Coast Drum Academy” tutoring students in private schools and at her home studio on the Central Coast. During this time, Michelle also began recording backing tracks for local duos and trios.
Now with both Leanne and Michelle residing at Lake Macquarie, a new era has begun with The Jamm Tarts. The duo blend a great mix of music including your favorite country, rock ‘n’ roll, motown, pop, rock and disco songs from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. A broad selection of music has been chosen to appeal to audiences of all ages featuring the music of artists such as The Mommas and the Papas, The Supremes, The Beatles, Carole King, Carly Simon, KC & the Sunshine Band, Abba, Sade, Shania Twain and many others. Guitar instrumentals are also highlighted, with hits from groups such as The Shadows and The Ventures, along with Leanne’s originals.
The Jamm Tarts combine to deliver a wealth of experience and professionalism, showcasing the talents of Leanne on guitar, violin and vocals, and Michelle on drums, percussion and vocals.
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