Andrew Hobler is a master of tasteful guitar regardless of the style of music. Martin Taylor says Andrew has a 'great tone, brilliant musical ideas and nice touch on guitar'. Others acclaim his compositions and custom songs.
Since 1989 Andrew has performed locally and internationally in a wide variety of music genres and venues. During this time he has honed his composing, arranging, programming and playing skills. He also has considerable experience in solo guitar performance and has a broad repertoire.
Since 1994 Andrew has been a freelance guitarist working with and supporting many well known Australian and international artists including Petula Clark, The Platters, Graham Connors, Grace Knight, Marcia Hines, Anthony Warlow, Tina Arena, Rick Price, Julie Anthony, The Ten Tenors, Geoff Harvey, Venetta Fields, Doug Parkinson, Tommy Emmanuel, Don Burrows and James Morrison. His easy going manner, great playing and professionalism have made him a popular choice for acts on The Gold Coast and elsewhere.
He has worked with the Queensland Symphony and Queensland Philharmonic orchestras and performed with members of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
As a freelance musician, he is required to be a 'jack of all trades'. On any given week, he will perform anything from solo guitar to big band in a variety of styles.
He has a Bachelor of Popular Music degree, Vocational Hons Certificate from Musicians Institute in Hollywood and has studied with Martin Taylor, Peppino D'Agostino, Pasquale Grasso and Eleanora Strino.
Present Company Included is his first group as leader in over 30 years and he is enjoying the challenge.
John Conley is a very experienced musician who has been playing double bass and bass guitar all over the world for many years. He is the bandleader of Australia's premier jazz band, Galapagos Duck. (A position he has held for over 35 years!)
Although jazz is his first love, he is in demand as a session player in all styles and genres. John has excellent music reading skills, a great sound and a very musical approach.
Rodney Ford is a wonderfully rounded musician. A superb and experienced drummer/vocalist, Rodney is extremely creative in his musical approach and continues to practice on a daily basis. He has a passion for music and is always seeking to learn and improve.
Rodney is also long term member of Galapagos Duck and together with John provide the engine room of any band fortunate enough to have them.