Roscoe James Irwin (born 21 February 1982) is a singer-songwriter, trumpeter and arranger/composer from Melbourne, Australia. He attended Blackburn High School, which is known for its music program.[1]

Roscoe James Irwin
Birth nameRoss James Irwin
Also known asRoss Irwin
Born (1982-02-21) 21 February 1982 (age 42)
OriginMelbourne, Australia
GenresIndie pop/folk
Occupation(s)Musician
composer
arranger
singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, trumpet, piano, guitar
Years active2002–present
LabelsIndependent, Alberts Publishing, Vitamin Records

Biography

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Born to a classical soprano mother, and a folk loving father, Irwin was raised in the Dandenong Ranges in Victoria. Irwin's musical life was born at home. At age 9, he was welcomed into a Brady Bunch-esque step-family of brass players, pianists and conductors. Learning from his brother-in-law, Irwin showed early talent as an instrumentalist, and very quickly developed as a jazz trumpet player. Influenced by the greats like Miles Davis, Clifford Brown and Louis Armstrong. At age 15, Irwin was already working professionally as a jazz and commercial trumpeter, playing pubs, restaurants and clubs in his hometown Melbourne.

Since those early days, Irwin has never looked back. Aside from his solo career, he has ended up working as a multi-instrumentalist and sideman with artists like Megan Washington, Brooke Fraser, Magnolia and Tinpan Orange. His involvement with seminal Australian bands The Cat Empire and The Bamboos, to his highly ambitious compositions and arrangements that have been performed by countless big bands and orchestras have cemented him in the Australian music industry. Most recently he has also added co-writer, arranger and producer credits to this list, for bands and artists like Lanu, Felix Riebl, The Cat Empire, and The Bamboos.

Solo Project

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Having suffered a clean break of heart in 2009, Irwin retreated to the Canada mountain town of Nelson. After three weeks of late autumn cold, Irwin returned with a pocket full of songs, and soon after recorded 'The Hunting Road',[2] with producer John Castle (The Bamboos, Megan Washington) at The Shed studio in Melbourne. His debut album,"The Hunting Road" was released through Vitamin Records on 5 September 2011.

Irwin then went on to independently release his first EP 'Wasted'[3] in 2013, again with producer John Castle. This time however it was recorded at the newly built Pick and Mix Studios in the Dandenong ranges with musician and producer Ben Edgar. The artwork for this release was created by Melbourne digital artist Kate Moon, the two collaborated and created a world of imagery inspired by his appreciation for the work of writers such as Kazuo Koike and Haruki Murakami. This art work is to be featured in the next 2 of Irwin's releases.

He has toured the Australia playing his own solo shows and in support of some of Australia's great musical success stories such as Vance Joy,[4] Ella Hooper,[5] and Julia Stone.

Band members

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  • Roscoe James Irwin – Vocals, Keys
  • Ben Edgar – Guitar, and Guitar
  • Leonard Grigoryan-Guitar and Guitar
  • Alex Burkoy – Mandolin and Guitar
  • Danny Farrugia – Kit and Percussion

Discography

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Albums

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List of albums, with selected details
Title Details
The Hunting Road
  • Released: September 2011
  • Format: CD, digital
  • Label: Roscoe James Irwin (RJI001)

Extended plays

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List of EPs, with selected details
Title Details
Wasted
  • Released: September 2013
  • Format: CD, digital
  • Label: Roscoe James Irwin
The Wild
  • Released: March 2015
  • Format: digital
  • Label: Roscoe James Irwin

Other projects

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References

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  1. ^ "CORRECTED VERSION EDUCATION AND TRAINING COMMITTEE Inquiry into the extent, benefits and potential of music education in Victorian schools" (PDF). Parliament vic. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  2. ^ http://www.theaureview.com/albums/the-hunting-road-2011-lp1 [dead link]
  3. ^ http://www.theaureview.com/albums/roscoe-james-irwin-wasted-2013-ep2 [dead link]
  4. ^ "Vance Joy". 3 May 2013.
  5. ^ "Win Tickets to the Toffs Double-Headline Residency with Ella Hooper & Texture Like Sun". 27 May 2013.
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