Crossfire

Biography

This jazz rock group was formed in 1974 and based in Sydney, Australia. The band comprised Jim Kelly (guitar), Greg Lyon (bass), Ian Bloxsom (percussion), Michael Kenny (piano), Steve Hopes (drums) and Tony Buchanan (saxophone). Crossfire were of a high enough standard of musicianship to gather worldwide recognition, the band served a long apprenticeship in jazz venues, often as the backing band for other artists, with the various members still concentrating on session work. Early on the band showed a lot of blues influence in their playing probably due to members having played in R&B and soul bands previously. By the late 70s the band was touring widely overseas, spending time in Asia, Europe and America, having played such prestigious gigs as the Newport Jazz Festival and Ronnie Scott’s in London, as well as recording modest-selling albums at home. The band backed many jazz soloists on their visits to Australia, including Michael Franks, which resulted in the release of a live album. Lead guitarist Jim Kelly went on to release several CDs as a leader and record with D’Volv, in addition to working as Head of Guitar Studies at Southern Cross University in Lismore.