Jan McAskill’s Musical History

 

 

Always destined to be an entertainer, Jan McAskill was thirteen when she was booked to perform on NBN 3’s “Junior World” live to air TV show in Newcastle N.S.W. She performed in many stage and theatre shows and was lead singer in the Newcastle band “Jobs For The Boys”. This band played many local venues and worked on the P&O cruise ship “Oriana” in the early 70’s.

 

       

 

Jan traveled to London, England in 1975 and it was there that she developed her talent as a studio session singer. She performed and recorded with a variety of bands and music styles in such places as Dingwalls, the Rock Garden, the Marquee, the Kensington Hotel and the internationally famous Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to name but a few.

 

On returning to Australia in 1981 Jan settled in Sydney and enrolled at N.S.W. Conservatorium of Music where she spent 2 years studying her craft. As a member of the Advanced Vocal Workshop Choir she performed with the “Don Burrows Jazz Ensemble”.

 

During this time of study Jan was employed regularly to sing on many TV and Radio advertisements and recording projects working with Erana Clark, Barry Leef, Shauna Jensen, Ron Barry, Mark Williams, Col Nolan, Mick Kenny, Wendy Matthews, Mark & Phil Punch, Billy Thorpe, Rick Price, Vince Melouney, Doug Williams, Kerry Bidell, Kevin Borich, Lonnie Mack, Phil Manning, Matt Taylor and Graeme Connors along with many others.

 

Jan is a highly professional and skilled vocalist who, despite her busy schedule, uses her skills to foster young talent by teaching singing and piano to a select group of private students, with whom she enjoys sharing her knowledge. She began tutoring in 1989. She has completed Certificate IV in Assessment & Workplace Training and is currently employed as a Voice and Piano Coach with the Independent Music Tutors group.

 

Jan is comfortable speaking to clients she negotiates honestly, politely and has a keen sense of humour. She is also an exciting live performer who knows how to communicate, can lead a band, understands the value of words and sings from her soul. She is a woman whose voice will stir you.

 

In 1985 Jan went on tour with the “Divinyls” as a backing singer for several months. That same year she joined Barrie McAskill’s Levi Smith’s Clefs (the Soul Survivors) and spent a year with this fabulous band. Her successful seasons in Sydney includes such places as the All Nations Club, Gossips, the Mandarin Club, Fantales, Moby Dicks, Kinselas, the Bridge Hotel, the Regent Hotel, Soup Plus and the Bourbon & Beefsteak.

 

In 1987 she began to learn keyboard in order to form a duo with Barrie.

 

          

 

1989 saw them begin a 10-year tour of Australia working as the duo “Topsy & the Bear” as well as writing and recording jingles in many towns along the way. Together they are fabulous!

 

Now based in Adelaide, Jan is still performing with Barrie in their duo “Barrie & Jan McAskill” as well as solo performances, band gigs and session work. Jan has added many tunes to her repertoire and has enjoyed playing solo in the various bistros, pubs and clubs around Adelaide.

 

In 2001 she enjoyed some months as the Entertainment Officer on the Murray Princess riverboat, a demanding job requiring a variety of skills and stamina. Whilst on board she developed a Singalong Repertoire together with a segment of Australiana songs.

 

Jan’s wealth of knowledge and her passion, combined with her attitude of encouragement toward her students make her an excellent teacher.

Many years of experience both on stage and in the studio have resulted in a reliable, well-rounded performer who is a team player.

 

Whether performing solo, duo, trio or with a band, Jan is a class act.

 

Jan McAskill’s Discography

 

 

The Farmers Daughter

Written By: Jan & Barrie McAskill

Mercedes Benz

Written By: Janis Joplin

I’ll Be There For You

Written By: Terry Hannigan

If It Comes To Love

Written By: Graeme Conners & Doug Trevor

 

This CD is compilation of Jan’s recordings through the years.

To Order: Phone: (08) 8260 5143 Mobile: 0427 633 374

Email: sales@mcaskill.com.au

 

Jan McAskill’s Jingles

 

Jan McAskill’s Compilation Jingle & Voice-Over Demo:

Jan McAskill’s Character Voices Demo:

 

*Denotes written and produced by Jan & Barrie*

 

Tia Maria: Herald: Nissan Pulsar: Scotch Tape: Grace Brothers: Findus: Lancom: Energrain: Mazda 323, 626, 929: Kellogg's: Gold Crest Muesli Bars: B.P: Victa Lawnmowers: Mousetrap: Boral Bricks: Ford Fury: Mackay Framing & Art: Contour Tiles: C.S.R Sugar: Hungry Jacks: F.M. Milk: Pizzaz Carpets: Barter Blinds: Get in Shape: Police Credit Union: Sydney Tourism: Fielders: Revlon: Perisher Smiggins: Cricket Seven a Side: Omo: *Whitsunday Connections*: Advance Bank: Nescafe: Channel Ten: Super K Hypermart: General Pants: P.K.Kitchens: St.George Credit Union: Stubbies: Sound Tunnel: Knackaz and What's Hot: Mr.Gow: Dexal: Kloster Ford: Kosciusko Ski Resort: Indoor Cricket: Bridgestone Tyres: Streets O.J: Yogo: Holden: Wella Balsam: Honda: Better Homes and Garden: Edgells: State Rail Authority: Toyota Corolla: Ford Laser: Comalco: Papermate: Four Seasons Sunglasses: Western Classifieds: Busy Babies: Fair Dinkum Beer: Drive: Nutrimetics: Norska Fresh: Jeanworks: *Casuarina Village Shopping Centre*: Celebration Cooler: Moondreamers: Whitsunday Documentary: Resch's Pilsener: Dr.Lindeman: Cerola Breakfast Cereal: Aussie Tourism (Hogan): Australian Airlines: *Oasis Pizza*:  Do The Right Thing: Touch'ems: *McCulloch’s Computers*: Glass Recycling: Indoor Cricket: Channel Seven: Jockey Underwear: Carrall's Menswear: Parap Fruit & Veg: The Old Alice Inn: Jeans Plus:  Western Mail: Hibiscus Tavern: Kentucky Fried Chicken: Golden Circle: Metropolitan Hotel: Instant Lottery: Campbell's Soup: Polaroid Sunglasses: Stock Jeans: Mitre 10: *Salad Magic*:  Playpen: Velva Soft: Shady Baby: Newcastle Morning Herald: Endeavour Rum: SBS Network 28: Royal Arcade Sydney: Toy World: Playschool: Cricket: David Jones: United Permanent: O'Brien's Glass: Build them up with Milo: *Apollo Maxi Yacht*: Glad Bags: Do It Again: McDonalds: Eye Witness News:  Cosmopolitan:

The list goes on.