Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons

Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	1975 in Melbourne, Australia
Founder	Joe Camilleri
Headquarters	Melbourne , Australia
Products	Music albums and singles

Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons represent an Australian ensemble specializing in blues and rock, fronted by vocalist, songwriter, and saxophonist Joe Camilleri, who is also known as "Jo Jo Zep". Their primary period of activity spanned the late 1970s through the early 1980s, during which they secured multiple hits on the Australian charts, such as "Hit and Run", "Shape I'm In", and "All I Wanna Do". Following their disbandment in 1981, Camilleri released the 1982 single "Taxi Mary" and the New Zealand top ten track "Walk on By" under the moniker "Jo Jo Zep". Subsequently, in 1983, Camilleri alongside other members established the Black Sorrows.

The group's lineup from the late 1970s—consisting of Camilleri, guitarist Jeff Burstin, guitarist Tony Faehse, bassist John Power, saxophonist Wilbur Wilde, and drummer Gary Young—reassembled in 2001 and again in 2003 to produce a new album. Their induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame occurred in 2007, followed by tours across Australia in 2008, 2011, and 2013. Australian rock historian Ian McFarlane characterized them initially as a "funky, energetic R&B band" with reggae influences that later transformed into a "brass-driven, latin-styled big band."

Formation (1975–1976)

Towards the end of 1975 in Melbourne, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons originated under the name Jo Jo Zep and His Little Helpers. The group was assembled by producer Ross Wilson (formerly of Daddy Cool and Mighty Kong) to record a rendition of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run" for Mushroom Records. Since Wilson was contractually restricted from singing, he invited his friend Joe Camilleri—known as "Jo Jo Zep," a Maltese variant of Joseph—to handle vocals and saxophone duties. Bassist John Power (previously with Foreday Riders) also joined this session.

In order to promote the single, Camilleri and Power formed a stable blues-rock band. Power had relocated from Sydney to Melbourne to become part of Company Caine, which featured guitarist Jeff Burstin and drummer John McInerney; after Company Caine disbanded, Wilson proposed that they collaborate with Camilleri for a Christmas concert at the Myer Music Bowl. This event marked Camilleri’s debut on Countdown. The ensemble grew to include guitarist/vocalist Wayne Burt (formerly of Rock Granite) and drummer Gary Young, who replaced McInerney. As a five-member group comprising Camilleri, Burstin, Burt, Power, and Young, they adopted the name Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons—a nod to Camilleri’s Maltese background. Camilleri had initially hoped Stephen Cummings would assume lead vocal duties; however, Cummings declined in favor of forming the Sports.

"I wasn’t intended to be the band’s lead singer. My original plan was to focus on playing saxophone, and I really wanted Stephen Cummings to take on singing... We had an extensive collection of songs written by Wayne Burt that truly made an impact. I wasn’t contributing much songwriting at that time and thought Wayne was a stronger vocalist than me too, but since he didn’t want to front the band, we ended up sharing vocal responsibilities for a while." – Joe Camilleri.

Oz Records Era (1977–1978)

Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons began their recording career with Oz Records, releasing their debut single, "Beating Around the Bush", in July 1976. Written and performed vocally by Burt, the track reached No. 73 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart. It was also included in Wilson's soundtrack for the film Oz (1976). Their next release, a rendition of Otis Redding's "Security" featuring Camilleri on vocals, peaked at No. 98. In February 1977, their first album, Don't Waste It, produced by Wilson and containing both singles, was launched. Vocals were shared among Camilleri, Burt, and Power, with Burt primarily responsible for songwriting. Although they aimed to deliver serious R&B, their sound remained adaptable.

We began without any clear direction... It took off rapidly... With the Falcons, our style never really changed much. We simply incorporated new elements... There was no strategy. – John Power.

Following the debut album, Burt exited the band and was succeeded by guitarist Tony Faehse (formerly of Musick Express and Alvin Stardust), whose rock-oriented approach meshed well with Jeff Burstin's country blues influence. Burt subsequently joined groups such as Eternal Struggle and Hey Gringo. In June 1977, saxophonist Wilbur Wilde (previously with Ol' 55) joined, completing what is considered the 'classic lineup': Camilleri, Burstin, Faehse, Power, Wilde, and Young.

Wilson also produced their sophomore album, Whip It Out, which came out in November 1977. Its single "(I'm in a) Dancing Mood" reached No. 90 on the charts. Songwriting duties were now shared among Burt (who still contributed), Camilleri, and Young. To capture their live performance energy, they released a five-track EP titled Live!! Loud and Clear, which climbed to No. 53 in August 1978. The lead song "The Honeydripper" enjoyed substantial radio play. Musician Paul Kelly later described their early gigs as "house-rocking, roof-raising renditions of both well-known and obscure soul, R'n'B and reggae tunes."

The EP So Young followed in November 1978 and achieved a peak position of No. 29. By this stage, the band had attracted international recognition from artists such as Graham Parker and The Rumour as well as Elvis Costello and The Attractions. Costello recorded a cover of "So Young", which was later featured on his compilation Out of Our Idiot (1987).

Mushroom Records Period (1979–1984)

After Oz Records ceased operations in 1979, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons signed with Mushroom Records. Songwriting responsibilities were handled by Burstin, Camilleri, and Faehse as a trio, with Camilleri taking on sole frontman duties. The band incorporated reggae influences into their evolving sound.

Aiming to capitalize on the English 'new wave' movement, Mushroom enlisted English producer Peter Solley, who agreed to work with them after witnessing a live performance and hearing their track "Shape I'm In". Their first single under Solley's production was "Hit and Run", from the album Screaming Targets. This song blended pop with reggae elements and reached No. 12 in August 1979. Camilleri noted that the unexpected success of this track opened doors internationally.

The group embarked on tours across the United States, United Kingdom, and Europe, playing venues such as New York's The Bottom Line and the Montreux Jazz & Blues Festival. In July 1980, they performed at San Francisco's Oakland Coliseum, opening for bands including Journey, Black Sabbath, and Cheap Trick. Despite encountering some unfriendly audiences, these tours expanded their international footprint but also placed considerable strain on the band.

Back home in Australia, singles like "Shape I'm In", "Puppet on a String", and "I Will Return" maintained their momentum. Albums such as Hats Off Step Lively (1980) and Dexterity (1981) followed suit. However, internal pressures led Camilleri to cease touring activities by June 1981.

We could have continued if we’d kept pushing forward, but exhaustion caused the band to fall apart. We should have taken a break for a year. We were promoting Screaming Targets overseas while already releasing Hats Off Step Lively here — it disrupted a vital creative phase. – Camilleri

In September 1981, Mushroom issued a North American edition of Hats Off Step Lively under the title Step Lively. This release combined selections from both Australian albums alongside new cover tracks produced by H.W. Casey and Rick Finch of K.C. and the Sunshine Band. By this time, key members Young, Power, and Wilde had departed; the fragmented lineup was unable to support promotion efforts for this release, which despite favorable reviews did not achieve commercial success.

Young and Power went on to join Rock Doctors; Wilde formed Big Kombi. Meanwhile, Camilleri along with Burstin and Faehse brought in bassist Simon Gyllies (Mondo Rock) and drummer Freddie Strauks (Skyhooks) to explore Latin-influenced rhythms such as salsa. Around this period Faehse left the group entirely; the 'Falcons' name was retired, and from 1982 forward Camilleri performed under the name Jo Jo Zep alone.

Afterward I had a hit with "Taxi Mary" without this band but it was too late. I couldn’t envision myself in an eleven-piece salsa band; I had to start fresh. Later I reunited with half of the band for The Black Sorrows. – Camilleri

The 1982 album Cha, produced again by Peter Solley, featured the duet "Taxi Mary" with Jane Clifton that reached No. 11 in Australia. Their synth-heavy cover of "Walk on By" also charted well domestically as well as in New Zealand. Another single titled "Losing Game", produced by Eddie Rayner of Split Enz fame, was released in 1983 across Australia and the US but marked essentially a solo project for Camilleri as this lineup dissolved.

In March 1984 original members Burstin, Camilleri, Power, Wilde, and Young reunited for an Australian tour supporting the compilation album The Sound of Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons released in December 1983. A final single entitled "Shape I'm In – Live", recorded during Tim Finn’s 1983 tour featuring guest vocals from Finn alongside session musicians including Ricky Fataar and Venetta Fields was issued in February 1984.

Since 1983 Camilleri has led The Black Sorrows, which has featured several former Falcons members either as permanent or session contributors. Australian music historian Ian McFarlane characterizes Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons initially as a "funky, energetic R&B band" infused with reggae rhythms that gradually evolved into a "brass-driven Latin-style big band."

Reunion and Later Activities (2001–2019)

In 2003, Jo Jo Zep and The Falcons issued the album Ricochet, an initiative encouraged by Neil Mumme, the organizer of the Great Southern Blues & Rockabilly Festival held in Narooma. The recording took place at Camilleri's Woodstock Studios in Melbourne and was released in September of that year. This album featured the renowned 1977–1981 lineup: Camilleri (vocals, saxophone), Burstin (guitar), Faehse (guitar), Power (bass), Wilde (saxophone), and Young (drums). Early member Wayne Burt contributed two fresh tracks. Following their performance at Narooma, the band embarked on a short national tour extending into early 2004 to promote the release.

The group came together again for a single performance in December 2008, with Joe Creighton stepping in for Power on bass. In September 2011, the classic lineup reunited for a special 35th-anniversary concert, which was succeeded by an Australian tour in 2013.

John Power passed away from heart failure on 30 November 2018. To honor his memory, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons alongside The Rock Doctors held a tribute concert in Melbourne on 17 March 2019, with proceeds directed to his daughter. Camilleri suggested this event might mark the band’s final live appearance. Since then, no additional shows have taken place, although no formal statement regarding disbandment has been released.

Hall of Fame Recognition

On 18 July 2007, Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons were inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame, alongside acts such as Hoodoo Gurus. Reflecting on the honor, Camilleri highlighted the band's distinctive blend of R&B and reggae during a period when funk and pop were predominant, expressing satisfaction with the accolade. At the induction ceremony, Mark Seymour acknowledged the group as a key influence behind Hunters & Collectors' formation. Drummer Gary Young received his second consecutive Hall of Fame induction, having been previously inducted in 2006 as a member of Daddy Cool.

Members

Listed chronologically:

• Joe Camilleri – vocals, saxophone, guitar
• John Power (deceased 2018) – bass guitar, vocals, backing vocals (1975–1982, 1984, 2001, 2003–2004, 2011–2018)
• Jeff Burstin – guitar, backing vocals
• John McInerney – drums (1975)
• Peter Starkie – guitar (1975) (deceased 2020)
• Wayne Burt – vocals, guitar (1975–1977)
• Gary Young – drums, backing vocals (1975–1982, 1984, 2001, 2003–2004, 2008, 2011–present)
• Tony Faehse – guitar, backing vocals (1977–1982, 1984, 2001, 2003–2004, 2008, 2011–present)
• Wilbur Wilde – saxophone, backing vocals (1977–1984, 2001, 2003–2004, 2008, 2011–present)
• Sarah Buchanan – vocals, backing vocals (1982–1983)
• Bill Canty – keyboards (1982–1983)
• Jane Clifton – vocals, backing vocals (1982–1983)
• Steve Ewart – trombone, keyboards (1982–1983)
• Simon Gyllies – bass guitar, backing vocals (1982–1983)
• Dezzy McKenna – drums (1982–1983)
• Sherine Abeyratne – vocals (1983)
• Martin Kellock – vocals (1983)
• Keith Pereira – percussion (1982–1983)
• Ray Pereira – congas, timbales (1982–1983)
• Freddie Strauks – drums (1981–1982)
• James Valentine – saxophone (1982–1983)
• Paul Williamson – saxophone (1982–1983)
• Joe Creighton – bass guitar (2008)

Discography

• Don't Waste It (1977)
• Whip It Out (1977)
• So Young (1978)
• Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons (1979)
• Screaming Targets (1979)
• Hats Off Step Lively (1980)
• Dexterity (1981)
• Cha (credited as Jo Jo Zep) (1982)
• Ricochet (2003)

External links

• Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons, Bombay Rock: photograph by Rennie Ellis, 1980. Preserved at State Library of Victoria.