“Clyde Schipke is by far the most technically-advanced guitarist I have ever had the pleasure of creating music with. On top of that, his groove is infectious. His songwriting skills are also unparalleled. Playing with Clyde, my musical skills advanced exponentially. I have witnessed Clyde teaching and I cannot imagine a student in better hands. If you want the best – you simply must learn from the best, whether it be theory or technique, but also his attitude and personality. I have also seen some of his students playing on stage and could clearly see their swift advancement. Check Clyde out and do yourself a favour!” Scott Dean (Professional Drummer, Perth)
“Thankyou Clyde! The ‘Guitar Bootcamp’ was really a most-amazing week. I’d highly recommend it to anyone on any level or style of playing…. beautiful head space and totally focused tutoring. It was without a doubt the best learning experience of my life.” Murray Barnes (Melbourne)
“Thank you Clyde for your patience and lesson planning. You have opened up a whole new world and I will forever treasure my lessons. “ Michelle Taylor (Cawarral)
Thanks for the special extended music lesson for my boy Donald. You have raised the bar! Your professionalism and skill are to be commended. Donald is very happy – the skills he learnt with one lesson will last a life time. Bevan MacGregor (Gayndah)
“Thankyou so much to the most amazing guitar teacher I have ever had, Clyde Schipke. You have taught me so much over the past 5 years. I loved every single lesson we had. Your wisdom and guidance has shown me many reasons as to why I love guitar so much.” Blake Jarman (Yeppoon)
“For nearly 20 years, Clyde has been a mentor who inspires me through his continuous evolvement as a shredding maestro of world class technical prowess and musical application.” Doug De Jong (Brisbane)
“If you want guitar lessons you can either go to Clyde Schipke or you can go to someone who isn’t as good as Clyde Schipke.” Mike Gagan (Brisbane)
“Clyde is simply superb, the best! Name anything in guitar, he has answers.” Dennis John (Brisbane)
“Clyde is a guitar teacher and mentor to many. A very, very patient man with a warm sense of humour and a great approach to teaching. There isn’t much this guy can’t do. My guitar playing went from 3 chord wonders to picking up some tasty jazz numbers as well as finger picking and in only 5 lessons!” Paul Dye (Brisbane)
“Clyde is simply exceptional as a guitarist, a teacher, and as a genuinely nice guy.” Peter Stannard (Brisbane)
Professional Reviews
“One of the best jazz fusion progressive trios from Australia. The debut CD “Something Serious” features Clyde Robert Schipke on guitar, Brad Wenham on bass guitar, Scott Dean on drums/ percussion. This is highly original music done with impeccable taste.” AbstractLogix USA
“Indaba is one of the best fusion bands to come out of Australia in years… over the top from down-under!” Tom Voli, Gnarly Geezer Records, California USA
EER Music (USA) review of ‘Something Serious’ INDABA
Todd S Jenkins ‘All About Jazz’ review (USA) ‘Something Serious’
Incredible unison work a la Al DiMeola’s Race With Devil on Spanish Highway from Brisbane-based INDABA who are Clyde Schipke (guitar), Brad Wenham (bass) and Scott Dean (drums). Each is clearly an excellent musician in their own right, but put them together and something serious does happen. Intense, earnest explorations into jazz rock’s rawer side with superb rhythmic punctuation and a bluesman’s sense of “taking it home”. That’s not to say Indaba don’t stretch out – they do – they just don’t noodle. Basically, Rush (for the song choruses) and latter day Scott Henderson fans are going to love this album. I’m thinking more of VTT2 with Victor Wooten and Steve Smith, than say Tribel Tech’s Rocket Science. The guitar has that later Henderson blues earnestness without being shrill. Scott Bosley gets an acknowledgement in the liner notes, and having heard how much Scott likes progressive rock/jazz fusion he’s going to like this a lot. He has impeccable taste. Review Centre USA
What is the formula for hot jazz fusion? Add one seriously played guitar (Clyde Schipke), to one tight and fluid bassist (Brad Wenham), and surround the sound with percussive spice of poly- rhythmic furor, (Scott Dean). Adjust guitar voicings to a classic ‘70s tube-crunch and overdriven with howling chops galore. Have this riffage assail all solos with abandon yet technical focus and pleasing musicality. Avoid well-worn patterns and use novel bass phrasings and engaging back beats. Let drums freely stretch with a Tony Williams flair and bounce. Toss in a few meandering slow cuts for day-dreamy pause and clarity of tone. Return quickly to fiery songs and rip it up again after measured balladic breaks. Now that is a recipe for Fusion. Crunch, punch, phat fusion reigns supreme and comfortably with INDABA! These guys know how to jam. Experience this impressive debut release of that power trio magic. Their tunes and voicings call to mind the should-be legendary (but unknown) jazz rockers, 3PM of Raleigh, NC, USA. Indaba has brought this reviewer a nostalgic delight. Recommended fusion for all you collectors and fans. John W. Patterson, EER-MUSIC.com USA
It seems as though the Australian fusion scene continues to bring out some of the very best in the world, what with recordings like On the Virg, Loose Change (both bands that featured Planet X drummer Virgil Donati), Sam Aliano (yet another drumming sensation), Indaba, Deluc, Frank Gambale, Brett Garsed, Ric Fierabracci, Chris Brooks, etc., these alone show that the Australian scene is setting new standards for focused fusion music that far exceeds the wealth of jam oriented superstar sessions that are getting major distribution and press. MJ Brady review: Prognosis 2002
Indaba achieves a recognizable individuality through a unified melodic approach and tasteful use of odd meters… Indaba presents an interesting grouping of musicians who readily show that they can play in the manner required for this unusual fusing of jazz and rock influences. Highly enjoyable. Greg Fisher, Jazz Views, Three D FM, Adelaide 2000
Clyde Schipke 