Find a profession you enjoy and you’ll look younger, be a much happier individual and barring unforseen circumstances, live a decade or so longer so research tells us.

  If you want the longest life possible become a conductor of a symphony orchestra because apparently they’re the ones who live the longest. 

  Judging by the wit, physical prowess and cheery disposition of 83 year old Eugene Wright, (not to mention consummate musical skills), I would guess that the next best option for a life prolonging career would have be as a professional double bass player.

Eugene Wright, the bass player from The Dave Brubeck Quartet, still playing the 'Wright' stuff at 83 years of age.

  Eugene would have been in his twenties during the mid 1950’s when, along with pianist Dave Brubeck, alto saxophonist Paul Desmond and drummer Joe Morello, he put jazz into the hit parade with the Desmond composition “Take Five.”

  “Take Five” went to number one and Eugene has been playing the ‘Wright’ stuff ever since.

  It was delightful to hear “Take Five” at this year’s Thredbo Jazz Festival.

It was a special moment for me to chat with Eugene Wright especially since "Take Five" was an integral part of my early introduction to jazz and a tune I often performed.

  Performing along with Eugene alto saxophonist Anita Thomas had a tone reminiscent of Paul Desmond’s and her playing was a sheer joy.

Anita Thomas added to her beautiful alto sax playing with bass clarinet and bamboo flutes.

Also in the group was my favourite smooth guitarist Grahame Conlan and very tasteful drummer Mark Sutton.

The 2007 Thredbo Jazz Festival had many highlights including 2 concerts by the ever popular and entertaining James Morrison. 

James Morrison never fails to whip up excitement when he goes for the screamers on trumpet.

He kept the crowd enthralled with a battery of high notes on the trumpet and some more mellow moments on trombone interspersed with gags and banter between himself and talented brother John Morrison on the drums.

John Morrison doesn't mess around when it comes to laying down the rhythm.

   The big surprise for me was the Melbourne based ‘Allan Browne Jazz Band.’

  I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many dedicated young ‘cats’ playing music of the 1920’s so well.

  Allan Browne has a few more years under his belt no doubt but as leader and guiding hand he enthused the young guns to dizzy heights of virtuosity.

  Allan’s bass drum looked more like a marching bass drum than a regular kit bass drum. Large of circumference and shallow of body it was inscribed with a poignant; “Hold on to the moment.”

And the crowd did, every single precious musical moment.

Sassy diva, Delilah had audiences mesmerized with her gospel blues and engaging personality.

Playing at Australia's highest restaurant, "The Eagles Nest", with one of the best horn players I've ever heard, James Ryan, was a great thrill.

    More info and pictures from the Thredbo Jazz Festival on www.pauldion.com “Articles and News.”