I owe Jack more than any other musician. Everything I've done since, whether leading my own projects, or playing with Billy Cobham, Dale Barlow or Wanderlust, has been influenced by,or even came about through Jack. His style of bandleading was to book the right musicians and to say as little as possible, which has, in turn become my own approach. Jack was always very serious about the music,but he understood that both musicians and audience are more relaxed and receptive if they have a few laughs.Jack always made time for his friends, and the last time I saw him was when I visited Sydney in August 2006. I was thrilled to see Jack in the audience at my gig in the Seymour centre; we went out for a few drinks afterwards and we laughed more than we had ever laughed before; that's my last memory of him; how wonderful! He was pleased to see I'd really developed an original style, which he described uniquely as' Ah brother Carl, I see you now have a nice Mr Orr'. Just the thought of Jack makes me laugh, and also fills me with deep respect. I loved Jack as a caring, nurturing older brother and I'm forever in his debt.

Carl Orr.

---

The Memory concert at MUPA in Budapest was so touching, we couldn't stop the teardrops fall,
here we will remember Jackie as a great-great musician and a lovely
person. We, big fans of him from a younger generation too, will miss him very much!
And we would like to whish you the best in this hard period of your life!

With love and kisses,
friends and fans from Hungary

Gergely Fodor

---

Dear Tina,
You may have felt the endless love in the evening yesterday on Jackie's memory concert. Thank you for everybody. Feeling this was his soul with us could be. Hungary's single determining generation fought his tears, but the peace was in our soul the most important. We tell him thank you for having sent a so worthy companion to become Jack one for a God. You are the real ambassadors of the love, not the politicians. He is in a god's country already, this little country waits for you with one liked always, let this story not be over here. God bless you.
 
With much love:
 
Zoltán Tar
from Hungary

---

I was stunned to read the news of Jackie's passing and to get that news
so late.

I have just edited out a few paragraphs of nonsense because I need to
think about this a little more - as little as I do want to contemplate
Jackie's passing. I am lost for words.

A few minutes is not long enough for this news to sink in so I will think about it and I will try and write something meaningful but in the
meantime I really do need to pass on my condolences and very, very
sincere best wishes to Jackie's family and friends.

I was planning a trip to Sydney and desperately wanted to catch up with Jackie and whatever wonderful project he had in place at this time - and hence I found this news.

How very, very sad.

Eric Erickson
Adelaide

---

My heart goes out to Jackie's family and friends.

I still vividly remember the first time I saw Jackie play. It was in
Melbourne at Bennett's Lane Jazz club. I went along because I read in
the gig guide that there was going to be a two trombone horn section and
a two bass guitars and I knew I had to go. I was not prepared for the
experience...it was the best music I had heard and I went out and bought
all the Jackie albums I could buy. His music really inspired my trombone playing.

I can remember putting the CD on hearing 'Taken to the Cleaners'...I nearly cried. It was such a perfect song. IT was the kind of music that I had wanted to hear all my life but hadn't found until that moment. It was so raw, so funky, so quirky...it was more than just
funk. It was just beautiful!!

I would see hem when ever he would come down to Melbourne and I was frustrated that he would come down more frequently. I was thirsty all year and then I would only get a little drink of the wonderful Jackie music.

The only two trips that I have made to Sydney were to see Jackie O. I
researched the gigs coming up, took time off work and went and saw
Jackie's bands as many times as I could. I just loved it. I only spoke
to Jackie a few times after gigs but he was always encouraging, telling
me to keep on playing the trombone. He would tell me off for not
bringing my trombone to Sydney to jam but to tell you the truth I was to
scared to play with the great man....I wish I had done so now.

He touched me even though I only shared a few moments with him. Over the years I always thought about his gigs and told my friends that they had to see Jackie if they went to Sydney.

I recently heard about Jackie's death when I meet up with a friend from
Sydney. I said that I want to come up and stay with her so I could go
and see Jackie play and then she told me the sad news. I can't describe the feeling I felt. I couldn't believe that Jackie was gone, that I would not see him play again. I cannot believe that I won't see him with his funny hats, kicking out his legs, shouting in glee as plucks on
the piccolo bass.

I didn't want to believe what I had heard so as soon as I got home I check on the internet. But alas it was true. I put on my Jackie albums
and sat down and thought about him. Sadness was all I felt.

Bless you Jackie. Australia was blessed to have you here and you will
be missed. We will carry on the music for you. You were an inspiration
and a beautiful spirit!!

Govind Maksay

---

Jackie touched my soul. I cannot explain the elation I used to feel when he would take his music to ‘the bridge’…there he was, standing on stage in the early 1990’s at the Harbourside Brasserie…and when the music changed, he used to let out this funky laugh. I felt like he had a way of connecting with the audience, in the way you sometimes feel a painting is watching you from different points of a room….Jackie seemed to always look at me at the same point of that song ‘…You don’t work, you don’t eat…’ and then the song would EXPLODE into the bridge, and you could just see the audience fall at their feet as if the music just ‘took over’…

My experience of his music dates back to Jump Back Jack in the late 80’s, through to The Godmothers and eventually to seeing him at The Rose in Erskineville. I would often turn to my friends and say “Did you just hear that?” during his gigs. He would often play a song that hit you in the heart, that’s what I came to love about Jackie…there were times when you just wanted to sit there and listen and not talk to anyone. I loved his gigs.

He changed a lot in that time, but still had that keen eye contact with the audience….and I reckon that was part of his charm. He seemed to be looking out into the audience to gauge reactions and he would connect with people in the ‘musical’ sense. I guess he may have been socially a little shy, but was able to relate very well through his music and could pick up cues when people were appreciating his musicality. And…well, he was cool too.

It is hard to accept that he has passed away, but we will all remember the joy he passed onto us through his music and as long as that is still around, I believe that Jackie remains ‘alive and well’.

Jamie White

---

Jackie Orszaczky was a truly unique soul and a profoundly talented artist. What would continually amaze me about Jack was his enthusiasm, after so many years, for playing small corner pubs, with 10 players crammed onto a tiny stage, well into the night, on any week night. He was "in it for the right reasons". His mentoring of younger musicians was the stuff of legend.

A Bohemian, a "post Hippy" perhaps, a gentle and caring man who always gave regard. I didn't know Jack "well" yet I felt we were close. He'd listen when I had something to say to him. He was not too lost in his own trip to be interested in mine. I'm sure many would say the same things. In his passing, the qualities of his life shine bright. Thank you Jackie Orszaczky, bless your soul.

See you again.

Sam McNally.

---

The first time I  heard about Jackie was when he played in the club “the tunnel” in Vienna in 2005 with a friend of mine Geri Schuller a piano player – he told me about him as a great musician and person. In feb. 2006 I went to Melbourne to stay with my Aussiefriend Rob and I had a CD from Geri with me to deliver to Jackie. In Sydney Rob and me joined a concert of Jackie and his band and it was a wonderful and inspiring evening – I´ll never forget his way of performing and especially the way he sang . I gave him the CD and we had a nice talk about music and connected quite well as two “european souls”…I´m glad that I had the chance to meet this unique and charming person - he even kissed my hand -  and i´m sad and shocked to hear that he´s gone.

I´ll make sure that his music will live on in Vienna…

My sincere condolence goes to his family – i´m sure he´s giving the angels a “funky good time” now…

Hemma from Vienna

---

In 1979, I traveled from my home in New Jersey, to work with my friend
Charles Fisher. Charles was close with Jackie, a fellow Hungarian.

We enlisted Jackie's help on an album we were working on with guitarist Dennis Wilson. That was how I got to know Jackie, and despite that
fact that I hadn't seen him in nearly thirty years, I have never
forgotten what a wonderful guy he was, and what a brilliant musician.

I would find myself thinking of him from time to time over the years.
So it was with great sadness that I learned of his passing. There's no
doubt that Jackie is playing in a really great band now, and they have
a great bass player. May God bless him.

Ken Shane

---

Last time i saw Jackie was in Byron Bay about a year and a half ago.
He blew me out.
Was talking to him after the gig, and said, 'man i would love to hear you in a trio' - hearing that there is a trio album on the way, i will be lining up to get one!!!

While Jackie's body got older and plagued with illness, his soul didnt get old and never will....it will live on, as will all of us.

thanks jackie o for inspiring music and the beautiful charisma you have,

sending well wishes to the family and friends who will miss one of the masters, Australia was lucky to have him,
 
Andrew Crockett

---

I worked as a waitress at the B and B (Bourbon and Beefsteak, Kings Cross, Sydney) and it was my privilege to watch Jackie and his band every Sunday night. He was loved and beloved; I can still see him leaning against the wall with a cigi in his hand. I

have lived outside of Australia for more than 10 years now but still hold dear memories of those Sunday nights and his cool band. Sad to hear of his passing, he was far too young to have moved on from this earth.

Thanks for the memories Jackie and for making my shift on Sundays at the B & B feel like a treat for the staff as well as the patrons.

Condolences to his family and friends.

F

---

I'll always remember!

Kováts Kristóf
Hungaray

---

I am shocked and saddened at hearing the passing of Jackie I am a music teacher presently working in Kuwait and just found out this news. It makes it doubly hard when you hear this and your out of the country.

The last time I spoke to him was at Newtown club where we agreed to meet up at The Hungarian Blues Festival. He was a wonderful musician
with sadness

David Lakeman

---

Having not played in Sydney's music scene for nearly 10 years, the news of Jackie's passing has not lessoned the profound grief felt. 
 
I first saw Jump Back Jack play at the Crows Nest Hotel when I was about seventeen. I was absolutely blown away!  With Jackies' cool presence and that fat horn sound, not to mention the amazing Hamish Stuart on drums, they were easily the best band I had ever scene.
 
Jackie never failed to make me laugh. Whether it was bumping into him at a rehearsal studio, being greeted with a: "Workin' hard?", eyebrowse raised over the specs as he unloaded an amp. Or at the Byron music festival with a:" Ahhh Simon... Good to see you up North.....Workin' hard?", followed by a detailed desciption of how good the hotel toilets worked.
 
I only had the pleasure of playing with Jack twice.  The first was when Sean Wayland and I booked him for a gig with our band Banana. I was still a bit of a groove apprentice, and I knew Jack thought my playing to be a bit uptight and a little ahead of the beat. Jack needless to say was his beautiful "in the pocket" self. My nerves calmed after about 4 bars of playing with jack ,prompting me to pull out some Bernard Perdey hi-hat thing, to which Jack turned and grunted a raised-eyebrowe, cigarette-pursed smile of approval. (I've still got the goose bumps.) 
 
The second time was when Jack played at my wedding with Tina, Sean,  Hamish and Arnie. Days don't get much better than that.
 
Sincere condolences to all Jack's family and friends.
 
Peace, Simon Ashton.

---

First of all I want to send my love to you Tina .

I can't remember where I first met Jack . He always seemed to be around once I started to go and listen to live music in Sydney. His band's always had a sort of mythical status to me . Having travelled far and wide and played with many top musicians I still fantasize about having the "Godmothers" as my back-up band. I remember Jackie seeing me play rhodes for the first time with Phil Free at the exelsior in surry hills around 1993 I guess . I remember he was warm and encouraging " nice colours" he said .

Somehow I was lucky enough to get called by him to do a gig a year or so later. I think Chris Abraham's was playing with Midnight Oil at that point or something. I was terrified I was so in awe of his music . He asked me over to his house in Erskineville for a rehearsal . I was expecting to play " sing a simple song " or something like that , but the first piece of paper he put in front of me was his own transcription of Bela Bartok's version of a Hungarian Folk Song " Hess Pava" . His handwriting looked elegant but was a little tricky to read, I was incredibly nervous, and the music was changing time signatures pretty much every bar . With a big smile Jackie was singing the melody and playing a version of what had originally been piano music on the fender bass , chords and all.

I was so knocked out by what he was doing and stressed that I completely screwed up playing the piano part. I thought that I had messed the gig up and was fired for sure. Jack looked at me over his glasses and said " Can you read ? " . I thought to myself , shit I have lost this wonderful opportunity . I said something like " well a little .. " . Jack said " Good .... I want you to read the Hard Rock section of the Drum Media into the microphone on the gig " .

It turned out the gig was " the grey suits" reunion at the Harbourside Brasserie . At that gig I got to play with Carl Orr and Tony Buck for the first time ( another 2 guys whose music I had loved to hear coming up as a musician in Sydney) . I remember having a VB on the piano probably at Jackie's encouragement . I laughed my way through the whole gig which included a version of "sex machine" as a polka . It's really the end of an era in Sydney to me Jack's passing . Newtown , King's Cross , and the music scene will never be the same .

My hope is that his recording's become more widely available through the internet, and the world can get to hear the great music that Jack produced in his lifetime . That way he will continue to bring us all together like he did so many wonderfull night's in Sydney.

Sean Wayland
www.seanwayland.com

Jackie was one of the great musicians, a true muso’s muso who was always there for the up and coming jazz and funk musicians of Sydney, since the mid 1970s.
Before that he was part of the new cultural Avante Garde in Budapest with his revolutionary band Sirius, from 1968 through the early 1970s, along with others such as the noted Hungarian artist, the late Norbert Ivanyi, who was a collaborator with Jackie Orszaczky on a variety of projects at various times.

I first met Jackie in / around 1995 or 1996, not sure which year. James Vodanovich and Norbert Ivanyi introduced me to Jackie and I grew to love his music. I would often go to see Jackie perform with the various musicians and combos he would bring together, especially the massive Soul Caravan nights at the Harbourside Brasserie, the regular Grandmasters gigs there and the smaller more intimate shows at Round Midnight and of course the local gigs at the Rose of Australia, Erskineville.

No mention of Jackie’s musical exploits in Sydney is complete without acknowledging the awesome vocalist Tina Harrod, Jackie’s partner in music and life for many years.

“The Sydney Morning Herald’s John Shand wrote:
Jackie Orszaczky and Tina Harrod, the Grandmasters have two outstanding
lead singers. Most bands would weep with desire at the thought of
having one such vocalist. Jackie croons and rasps; Tina purrs and
shrieks. When singing together, their voices mesh as one, aided by
impeccable phrasing.

Also in the Sydney Morning Herald Bruce Elder, reviewing the Family Lore album wrote:
What a voice! Grab a copy of Jackie Orszaczky & The Grandmasters
Family Lore and wrap your ears around the second track, Sex. In front
of slow, funky groove and Steven Ball’s soulful Hammond organ is
Australia’s youthful answer to Aretha Franklin. New Zealand born Tina
Harrod has one of those gorgeous vocal instruments, which just oozes
soul, sex and sensuality.”

I’m sorry I missed your big farewell bash at the Harold Park Hotel Mr Grandmaster Jack, Brother #1 as the other brothers acknowledge you.
Vale Jackie Orszaczky, the funkin groove goes on…

---

On the 20th of January 2008, I had the wonderful privledge of creating my first music festival called 'Spirit of Soul', where Jackie and Tina performed this blessed night.
They shared with us their beautiful magic where time and beauty stood still.... where life is a dance of joy... where music lifts to a higher energy... where love plays havoc in ones heart... where the voice of melody flys... where the strings of his instrument vibrated to the 7th heaven.....
 
where he will continue to play... continue to be... in the light of the sun.
 
Thank you Jackie for blessing us with your music...
 
Fani Elisara
  

---

Im in the Harold Park Hotel looking at a wonderfully wild cross section of people who are here in memory of Jackie.  I know none of them, nor did I ever know Jackie however Im here as a mark of deep veneration to his outstanding book of work, and because of his dedication the local scene here in loverly Sydney.  Im here to thank him, to take in the extraordinary cast of characters here in his name too, and to listen to some damn fine rhythm.  
 
Dont worry everyone, Jackie's next rebirth will no doubt produce even more extraordinary work.
 
ROBYN CATCHLOVE

---

love & condolences.
 
G+T

Geoff & Tracy / LaserSpecialEvents

---

Jack,
about the only good I can find inyour death, is that, first, there was your life, and I got to know an uncompromsingly original human being, and to play with a real musical genius.
 
IWe'll all miss you,
(Brother) Steve Ball

---

Tina, hope you are ok in this time.  Will no doubt see you round Erko village soon.  Will miss your man, his smiling pixie magic music face.  Will always remember his warmth and kkindness and open spirit.  love to you and Mia
Felicity Fox
xxx

---

Brilliant, gracious,generous of spirit...- is there any other single person who has contributed more to the Sydney/Oz music scene...?
God, I'd love to have played with Jackie
The big band in heaven just scored a mother of a bassist...
Love and peace
PJ

---

Hi Tina,
 
Wanted to let you know how sad I was to hear of Jackie's passing. I'm on tour in Denmark at the moment, but got an email from my Mum and from Fabian Hevia letting me know the sad news.
 
Hope you and Mia are OK - and Anna too  - I'm sure everyone is grieving.
 
I'll always have the honour of saying I shared a stage with Jack - I have such fond memories of that concert we all did in Budapest. Great times - being in Hungary with him was such a thrill.
 
Anyway, just wanted to give you ``my regards`` and to let you know my thoughts are with you, the kids and the musical community back home. I'm sure your getting lots of support.
 
What a great loss it is, but what an amazing contribution that great man made.
 
All the best, Tina.
 
With much fondness,
 
Adam. x


Adam Armstrong
Australian bass player, living in New York.

---

I am deeply shocked to learn of your passing, Jackie.

We both left 'sweet little Hungary' around the same time in order to fulfil our dreams in music and by the sound of it you certainly did fulfil yours.

But, before all that, I am reminded of one of the most memorable performances of my life, the Syrius-Bajtala gig in 1969, at the Ganz-Mávag in Budapest. We combined the two bands: there were two keys, two drummers, two bassists, a guitar man and a sax player on stage. It was something quite extraordinary. You sang Hey Joe, Spinnin‚ Wheel and I'm a Man, I did Let Me Down Easy and Gypsy Girl and there was a great drum-duel. We've lost touch after that, but this is a memory for a life time. 

Keep on groovin‚, mate.

Respect,

Bajtala János

---

I was saddened to hear, whilst lounging this Saturday to Radio National, that Jackie had passed on.

I was close to Jackie in the late seventies, early eighties: a few years after he had finished Bakery. He was Marcia Hines’ MD at the time and predictably, stretched the musical sensibility incumbent in this particular job to its limit…..and loving it!

I particularly remember a version of “Freedom Jazz Dance” we played, perhaps somewhere in Perth, as both the support act and then as Marcia’s backing band. It didn’t sound like an appropriate song choice but Jackie swept us up, with his deft touch, juggling and tinkering with the contradictions thrown up, and chose to make it work. He had an ability to connect people together to create something new and unusual from seemingly irreconcilable sources.

It was one of those few times that I have witnessed a pop crowd quietly bending towards, then just hopping on to the ride he had set up for us. He took everyone a step further, audience included: politely inviting us onto his sometimes scary but always exhilarating roller coaster.

This special gift of his still has a resonance for me and, I hope, for all who knew him.

My condolences to family, friends and colleagues. Take a deep breath and hold on tight!

Andrew Ross

St Kilda East

---

Hi Jack
Hey thanks for looking after my little sis like you did.  She loved you immensely and was so proud to be a part of your life and giving you Mia was such an important part of your and her life.  I feel blessed to have met you in person and had a blast with you over here with our family.  We loved the way you looked after everyone you came in contact with whilst over here in Blenheim.  Thank you Jack for being a part of my life and I'm sure for those you met while you were here in New Zealand.  
 
You touched not only our hearts but our souls too.  Most of all I want to pay tribute to you for loving my little sister Tina, who means the world to me.
 
Love you and will miss your quirks l
 
May you rest in peace.
 
Love Peter Stringer
 

---

Great artist, great human being.  Unforgettable times, 1988  Jump Back Jack in full flight - some of the best and worst times of my life.  Thanks Jackie, for everything.

Vicki Morison

---

So many memories - shared with some many friends!
 
I still remember my first Jackie concert - it started my love affair with live music!!!
 
Shall remember you forever but secretly I can't wait to buy my ticket in heaven to your concert.
 
All my love Cooks  xxxxoooo
 

---

I consider it an honour in my life to have been associated with Jackie in the many projects we did together - I am also reminded of the hours spent with Anna sticking Jack's arrangements together, before some of the Budget Orchestra gigs (which were one of a kind, of course) or a session. A tag team of sticky tape, piles of paper, coffee and philosophy.

I have also realised that I performed and led the sections for almost all
of Jack's recorded string arrangements - something I am extremely proud of in my professional life. I always felt that I was playing arrangements of particular musicianship and originality.
I can only try to emulate his ingenuity and skills in my own work.

His generosity to me as a player will always be a big influence. He was a good sport to let some unknown (Opera?!?) violinist sit in with him when he worked at the Bourbon all those years ago, and an even bigger sport to let me keep coming back. That's Jack, I guess.

Jackie, your influence lives on in the players of the music community of
Sydney.

My love to Tina, Mia, and Anna

Adrian K

---

JACK
I remember the first time I met jack was about 15 years ago at around midnight at the cross.as a fellow bass player I struck up an instant friendship with jack talking about music and life. that was the thing with jack that I found that he was so down to earth.I had the great pleasure of playing with him one night at round midnight. two basses playing together. I learnt so much that night it will stay with me forever .every time I use to bump into.jack he would come up to me and ask me what,s happenin brother. I was very humbled by that.his bass playing,compositions arrangements,bandleading ,humour and soul will be sadly missed by me.to miss Tina Harrod and family and friends my deepest heartfelt sympathy.r.i.p. jack.

peace and love
chris bell.  

p.s. i,m so sorry i can,t make the gig on sunday but i have to work. all my love.

---

                                                        

In 1988 or early 89 as a teenager I had my first real brush with funk, sweating to JUMP BACK JACK at the Harbourside Brasserie.
It changed my musical outlook forever and I never forgot the eccentric looking singer/bass player and the simultaneous heaviness and lightness of his groove.

A few years later the Sutherland brothers [at the time playing bass and drums in Skunkhour, a fine funk outfit] took me to see "this cat you gotta hear", again after midnight at the Brasserie.

Of course, it was Jackie.

Every time I saw him over the years he blew me away with his amazing bands, his heavy pocket, his understated showmanship and charisma.

He touched the lives of so many musicians and music lovers and his legacy will live for many generations.
It was a privilege to experience his gift and he will be profoundly missed.
Thank you Jackie. Thank you.

To all those who were close to him, particularly Tina and Family, my sincerest condolences.
You may take comfort in the fact that Jackie’s was a life truly lived.

Rory Toomey
Musician
Proprietor, Melt Bar, Sydney

Dear Jack

When i think of Jackie my Cup Runneth Over. When I rolled down the hill to Sydney and I heard Jack’s Songs my heart exploded and my feet went atappin.

My heart goes to Tina and sweet Mia.

Rest in peace Kind soul,

Amber xxx

Dear Jackie,
I am with you.
(How? I write the interview, what I just registered with you in 1994.)
I am very sad.... soon we will meet again
Janos Kobanyai from Jerusalem

Jackie,
Thank you so much for your amazing talent and the brilliant nights you gave us at the Rose!
You meant so much to all of us and and you will be greatly missed.
Thank you and goodnight,

Christine (on behalf of the Don Street crew) in Dublin (formerly Newtown)

We were blessed to have Jackie spread so much love and joy through his music.
He put a smile on many people's faces.
I will remember him fondly.

All my love
George Washingmachine

I had the pleasure and honor of promoting a gig of Jack's in Wollongong only a couple of years ago. He was a true professional, gentleman, and as we all know, a musician of the highest calibre. He will be sadly missed by many.

Warren Ross

Blues On Stage

What a terrible loss. Jack was the model of a complete musician – composer, arranger, performer, virtuoso, mentor. He fostered two generations of musicians in this city and beyond. He was a great artist. I saw him only a few weeks before he died. He wanted to record some horns at my place in Redfern. On the day Dave Symes turns up at the door – Jack’s at the hospital, he’s coming by later, Dave’s got the charts and he’s going to ride shotgun on the session.

The A team arrives, James Greening, Anthony Kable and Matt Ontignon and we set about recording. Around 1pm Jack arrives, thin as a rumour, a tube sticking out of his arm, a few bandages too. For a half hour or so he bosses me around and gives the players some stick, just letting everyone know that brother #1 was in the house, which he was. He didn’t look like someone who was going to leave us so soon.

7.30ish he’s up and out the door, got a gig up at The MacQuarie, you should come by... brother, I wish I had. In the wee hours I get a text from Hamish Stuart, Jack wants to come back and do some drum overdubs so we’re in there again later that morning. What a great day, sitting around with two of my favourite musicians making some grand music, all with great humour. The way he communicated his ideas to musicians - it’s backada backada backada bam bam not backada backada boom boom - that distinctive Hungarian-via-New Orleans/Erskineville patois that we all understood.

Jack had a sophisticated, Ellingtonian sense of harmony, you couldn’t touch his time. He was the romantic foreigner, the vessel of an eastern European elegance transplanted amongst we desert Irish. He was inside the music. And he knew how to wear a hat. My love to Tina and the girls...

Brendan Gallagher

We heard of the passing of Jackie and would like to pass on our condolences to Tina and family and all who loved him. Funky is really over used term but he was the read deal. I had the pleasure of mixing 2 of his trio shows at Bar Open which were just extraordinary gigs. The wider music community will miss him dearly.

Jon Perring - Bar Open, Fitzroy

I first saw Jackie playing with Syrius when they toured Australia circa 1968 or 69 at the Community Hall in Blackheath. I was a youg wannabe drummer aged 19 and the band I saw and heard that night left my jaw lying on the floor. They played a hybrid of blues, rock, jazz and Eastern European folk. They were awe-inspiring with the genius - Jackie O holding it all together.
 
Many years later (thirty five or so) I finally had the pleasure of meeting Jackie at the hotel in Erskinville; introduced by my son Jeremy who had jammed with Jackie once or twice. Australia has too few "real" musical geniuses and it is a great loss to the Sydney music scene. Many condolences to Jackie's family.
 
James, Jeremy (Bluejuice) & Charlotte (Rumpunch) Craib

Hi,

I never knew Jackie personally but enjoyed seeing him play at the Rose in Erskineville and loved his music. My Dad, who also shared my passion for Jazz, was receiving treatment with Jackie at RPA . We were both saddened to discover he was unwell as he had such amazing talent and character. I lost my dad this time last year to his battle with cancer and I just wanted to extend my sympathy to his friends and family who I can only imagine miss him as much as I miss my dad.

Brigitte

I only had the pleasure of seeing Jackie play live once at the Woodford festival a few years back and was in awe of the man. I went up to have a chat after the show and he was very warm. It's sad to hear he's gone but nice to see that he was playing music until only a few weeks before his passing. Respect and condolences to those who were close to him.

Jeremie, musician, Brisbane.

Who else could not only have all of the jazz/rock/funk accolades, but also be 1/7 of a classical viola player's PhD thesis, have a world premiere at the Sydney Opera House, be reviewed in The Strad magazine and have tributes played on ABC Classic FM (Sat 9th at about 19.55)??? I'm so grateful that the classical world has something from Jack too, an extraordinarily diverse legacy.

Deb

I remember when Sirius first arrived and were doing gigs and making big waves in Sydney‚s scene. It seemed like everyone was talking about the new Hungarian band! Then there was the silver Sirius album ˆ real left wing joy ˆ it was considered cool to own this album. Sirius left the country (and also many fans)behind here. However, that was not the end of the story, as we all know.

Safe travelling, Jackie.

From Pete,

Marrickville (formerly of Wollongong)

Jackie and I were setting up at our regular gig a few years back, at the Bourbon and Beefsteak, Kings Cross, Sydney. This particular night there was a huge American aircraft carrier parked at the end of the street from our gig. We spoke regarding how big this ship was and I remarked “I’d love to go for ride in one of those F18s”.  Jackie replied “Would you really? I think they should be left to rust, rot and decay in the harbour, in all harbours with their planes on deck”.  Having had my conscience pricked, I replied, “you’re right Jackie, you’re always right”. Such a great soul.
 
I’ve never thought about the feelings of the apostles before, but it struck me today, they must’ve felt something like this the day after a great one left their presence. It’s like a piece of my own soul has gone.

My heart to Tina, Mia, Anna, Hamish & band

Thanks Jackie

Love

Tim Shaw

P.S. Mia: I also remember Jackie telling me in detail at the gig how great you were coming along musically. He was very proud of you.

I'm so sad to hear of the loss of the great Jackie Orszaczky. I have very fond memories of Jackie and Jump Back Jack at the Harbourside Brasserie in 1988-89. Never thought I'd hear anything like that in Australia. More recently, his gigs around Sydney have brought joy to many. He will be missed enormously. Sincere condolences to Tina and the Orszaczky family.

Jeff Hogan
Arkansas, USA

So sorry to hear of Jackie's passing. Although I only met him briefly _ had the pleasure of performing with him in a rather special series of concerts with the Australian Art Orchestra in various cities around the country a few years ago - I found him to be a very gentle man who possessed remarkable touch on his chosen instruments. Most sincere condolences to Tina Harrodand family.

Warm Regards,

ALEX PERTOUT
Head of the Improvisation Stream

VCA Music
Faculty of the Victorian College of the Arts
The University of Melbourne