BY JACQUELINE LATIMER
3/10/2008 8:52:00 AM
ROSHANI Priddis has been doing exceptionally well on Australian Idol and John Muller is one of her biggest fans.
As a well-known musician and musical tutor, he strongly believes Roshani has what it takes to win the competition.

John is probably best known through the John Muller Band where he has taught and had many well-known performers, such as Roshani, dedicate their vocals to the band.

“Roshani is a natural and soon had a folder of 30 songs comprising of blues, rock and roll and jazz standards,” John said.

“Having her sing with my band for over 12 months was a most enjoyable experience.

“The other band members, Phil Reading and Greg Williams adored her and Roshani’s dad Bruce also did some gigs with the band on drums which was so special for him – being able to back his daughter.”

In August last year, Loomberah celebrated its 50th anniversary of the Loomberah Hall and John’s band played at the opening, with Roshani as the special guest artist.

Event organiser Rebecca Barwick said Roshani was the toast of Loomberah and she has also rallied up a lot of support from people in the district to vote for her on Idol.

Internationally-acclaimed singer and good friend of John’s, Janet Seidel said Roshani had a good feel for jazz and a great presence on stage.

John said he was totally biased but he thought Roshani had a great chance of making the Idol grand final.

“There are millions of singers but not a lot of entertainers and thats where Roshani shines,” he said.

John has taught many other famous artists along the way including Rob McDougall, Aleyce Simmonds, Mim Gardiner, Tenille Kearney, Wendy Foster, Claudia Byrnes and Sophie Jones.

“It’s all about phrasing and the right interpretation of the song,” he said.

John started the Billabong Jazz concerts 12 years ago.

If you would like to catch John perform, this year’s concert will be held at West Tamworth League Club on Saturday, November 1.

As far as Roshani is concerned, John said she was a beautiful, genuine person and “what you see is what you get”.