The move, which was inspired by a small pay rise from $6 to $10 per performance, proved to be their biggest stroke of luck, with the Tooths owned pub soon breaking keg records and being forced to pull out the large island bar to accommodate more people wanting to hear their smooth jazz music.

After the band’s main man, Geoff Bull, moved to New Orleans in 1974 to chase his dreams, the young pianist Gary Walford took over as bandleader – and the Unity Hall Jazz Band was born.

Walford, the last remaining original band member to still play, becomes visibly excited as he reminisces on the near 4,000 gigs he’s played at the Balmain stalwart.

He says, “There are so many memories, I don’t know where to start!  ABC once recorded a whole night for a jazz roadshow. We’ve played with so many world famous jazz musos who’ve dropped in while on tour.  Let me just say that the who’s who of jazz from the USA, Europe, Japan, Britain and New Zealand have at some stage played at the Unity.  Those still living are very familiar with the pub and can’t believe that we are still here after 44 years.  To this day they drop in for impromptu cameos.”

Walford continues, “Most of the guys in the band tour to festivals around the world – they’re all world class performers.  The Unity Hall Jazz Band is well known all over the world because of its longevity, and the class of musicians in the band.”

Walford is buoyant about the future, “Let’s hope we make 50!  What a party that will be!” When asked how the band has managed to stay around for so long Walford smiles and quips, “We just keep swingin”.

Preparations have already commenced for the band’s 45^th birthday.

What: Longest running Jazz residency in the world, The Unity Hall Jazz Band

Where: Upstairs, Unity Hall Hotel, 292 Darling Street, Balmain

When: Every Sunday from 4PM – 7PM

Tickets: Free!