By Aparna Datta

Australia's thriving jazz scene, one that few in America are familiar with, reflects the country's diverse heritage. Along with the influences of North American and European jazz and groove masters, Australian jazz breaks boundaries by incorporating Middle Eastern, Asian, Indian, Latin, U.K. Punk/Scar, and Indigenous influences. The music ranges from alternate punk trad jazz to electronic sounds to a more conservative jazz fusion.

If you walk into your local record store and head for the international section, you may be amazed at the amount of great music you are missing out on. Here are a few albums to check out. If you are lucky enough to be in Australia, watch out for these bands at local venues.

Decoy combines the soul of acoustic instruments with hard electronic beats. This group of renowned Melbourne musicians provides a climactic symphony of both new technologies and traditional concepts unlike any other.

Funken Wagnells is the product of an almost infinite array of musical influences, from Latin to jazz and from jazz to funk. The 12-piece group includes a rhythm section that produces a fat, complex groove spanning many genres and a 4-piece horn section consisting of some of Australia's greatest jazz players.

Lewis & Young. Their dialogue between Western woodwind instruments and the ancient didgeridoo is more than the sum of its parts.

Piffen Yonnies. Experimenting with styles, sounds, and textures, the Yonnies have combined hipshakin' grooves and unique Aussie lyrics to capture audiences wherever they play.

Snag produces an eclectic blend of Jazz, South American rhythms, and folk themes with popular Western music influences. Their original compositions reflect a broad diversity, from thematic-based Ornette Coleman-type tunes to Nordic-influenced mood pieces.

The Band Who Knew Too Much or "The Band" moves between odd musical styles including ska, jazz, and folk to create their own unique "Woodchop Rhythm." Strong local lyrics and gang vocal delivery create their unique bushranger jazz sound.

Astronaughty could be the beginning of a whole new appreciation of a completely new genre of music for the typical N'Sync and Backstreet Boys fan. Pop music generally has become very repetitive. Once record companies discovered that the 5-male group was the formula for generating millions of record sales, young 5-male groups became clones of each other. However, with an added female to the 5-male equation, lyrics suggestive of India Arie, combined with the funky free style of Stevie Wonder, Astronaughty will make the whole family fight for the CD. This band is currently seeking a record deal. Contact them at Astronaughty_@hotmail.com for a listing of future performances.

Aparna Datta writes from Stockton, CA. She is a Veterinary and Psychology graduate. Currently she is a Writer, Photographer, and Web-site designer for a variety of publications and companies. Contact her at Aussie1988@aol.com.