Australia's legendary band

The Members

Over the many years of Galapagos Duck's life there has been the occasional change in the group's lineup but The Duck prides itself on being able to choose from the finest talent Australia has to offer. The present lineup is no exception. All are respected performers and music writers who in combination, still being mostly long time members, are able to maintain The Duck's unique flavour, versatility and wide popular appeal which has always been the hallmark of this group.

Greg Foster trombone, blues harp, harmonica.

A musician, music teacher and special education teacher, Greg was a member of popular groups Heart 'N' Soul, SCRA and The Harbour City Jazz Band before joining The Duck in 1976. He has written and arranged original music for each of these and other groups including arrangements for Renée Geyer and Mickey Leyton with the Peter Martin Big Band at the opening of the Sydney Opera House. His musical background is wide and varied spanning the genres of Rock, Jazz and Classical. He has performed with most of Australia's greats including Don Burrows, James and John Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel and Roger Frampton. He has also played with classical orchestras and in 1993 performed as featured soloist with The Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. Greg has led the Duck since 1993

Rodney Ford drums, percussion and vocals.

Rodney has performed with Australian jazz artists Roger Frampton (Jazz Co - Op), Errol Buddle, Jim Kelly and Mick Kenny (Crossfire) .Jim Pennel, Greame Lyall, and with overseas artists including Herb Ellis, Barney Kessel, Eberhard Weber  and Jamey Abersold . He has recorded in many different fields of music  including with Tommy Emmanuel  and country artist, John Williamson. Rodney was resident drummer for J.C. Williamsons for three years in shows including The Wiz , Man of la Mancha  and Chorus Line . After many years of reading gigs , he chose to pursue his vocal endeavors in various Jazz Rock Latin groups. Rodney joined The Duck in 2002.

Stephan Schafer Alto, tenor and soprano sax, clarinet, flute, electric bass.

Born and raised in Nuremburg, Germany, Stephan studied classical saxophone with Günther Priesner at the Meistersinger - Konservatorium in Nuremburg from 1988 to 1994. 1989 Stephan came third in the prestigious national competition "Jugend musiziert". During the time in Germany he already worked as a freelancing musician with various jazz, latin, funk and rock bands, Chamber Music Ensembles, the opera, Theatre Shows and Big Bands. In 1994 he migrated to Sydney, Australia. He has recorded and worked with most of the greats in the Australian jazz scene and, having often performed with the Duck since 2007 he joined officially in 2010.

Bill Risby piano, electronic keyboards.

Bill is one of the most versatile keyboardists in the country. He has played and recorded in virtually every musical style. He performs with his own trio and a number of other contemporary jazz bands. With a background in both jazz and classical, Bill Risby has performed extensively in Australia, played with many international artists, including Maria Schneider Jazz Orchestra and Julio Iglesias, a diverse array of Australian popular artists from Marcia Hines to Daryl Braithwaite and of course with Galapagos Duck over the years and has recorded six albums to date.

Emile Nelson electric fretted and fretless bass, double bass and vocals

Emile is comfortable in any musical situation from jazz to country, latin ,fusion, and pop. He has recorded and played all styles. His main instruments are Fretted and Fretless 4, & 5 string basses Acoustic Bass, stick bass and Vocals. In 1997 at the age of 25 Emile was one of the 10 finalists in the worldwide bassplayer magazine bass playing competition. The only finalist from Australia. After receiving his associate diploma in Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Emile furthered his studies and experience in New York. He has played and recorded with many international and Australian artists of extremely diverse musical styles and has over the years played with Galapagos Duck.