John Cadman Trio – On the Harbour VG+/VG

On the Harbour, released in 1976, is the sole album by the John Cadman Trio, a Filipino lounge group who recorded it while performing aboard the John Cadman Cruising restaurant on Sydney Harbour. The record is a vibrant blend of jazz, funk, soul, and easy listening, reflecting the eclectic tastes of the era and the trio’s versatility as entertainers.

With covers like “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” and “Tie a Yellow Ribbon,” the album leans into familiar melodies, but it’s the unexpected choices—like the Latin-infused “Gente Cha Cha” and the sultry “Amor En Abril”—that give it character. Tracks such as “Humpin” inject funk energy, while “Cu Cu Ru Cu Cu Paloma” adds a romantic, cinematic flair.

The trio—Arturo Gatchilian, Bert Santos, and Lito Hernandez—play multiple instruments across the album, from piano and organ to flute, saxophone, and clarinet, creating a rich, textured sound that’s both polished and playful. It’s a snapshot of Sydney’s lounge scene in the mid-70s, full of charm and groove, and a rare gem for collectors of vintage Australian vinyl.