Bio

Ross Mullins is an Auckland born keyboard player and songwriter best known for his work as leader of Last Man Down. Formed in 1984, the group received critical attention for its quality musicianship and particularly for the innovative sketches of New Zealand urban life in Ross’ lyrics. Last Man Down’s first album 'State House Kid' was released in June 1985 and was uniformly praised by reviewers as an “exciting event in the New Zealand music scene”.

'State House Kid' sold in excess of 2000 copies. Between 1986 and 1988 Last Man Down released two further collections of Ross’s songs which made an immediate impact on the press and sold in healthy numbers. Two of the albums 'State House Kid' and 'This Sporting Life' were NZ Music Awards finalists for their sleeve design and the final album 'Parting Shots' was released in the USA/

In 1994 Ross released a new collection of songs 'Stranger at the Ranchslider' which he recorded with The Snaps, a group featuring some of the country’s leading young jazz musicians. This album struck a chord with the public and critics alike who praised it for its tasteful musicianship and its witty homegrown lyrics. It continues to enjoy steady sales and airplay.

In 1996 Ross re-formed The Snaps with original drummer Jason Orme and adding to the line-up Nigel Gavin and Peter Scott. Much of the year was spent recording an album with NZ Music Award winning producer and engineer Steve Garden. 'King of the Mercuries' was released in 1997 and received very favourable press with Graham Reid describing in in the NZ Herald as “Mullins’ strongest, most consistent album in years.”

Ross also works as a free-lance keyboardist and has appeared in a number of jazz groups around Auckland. He has performed at numerous jazz and arts festivals, including the Montana Winter Jazz Series and has undertaken two Creative New Zealand sponsored North Island tours. Ross has also numerous appearances on radio and television to his credit.

Links

• Artist Website