Gifted and innovative musician and composer Jackie Orszaczky has died after a long illness. He was 60 years old.

Mr Orszaczky was considered one of the Australia’s most influential bandleaders of the past 25 years. After moving to Australia from Hungary in 1974, Mr Orszaczky soon became an in-demand session bass player and bandleader working across a variety of genres including pop, country, rock and jazz.

In the late 1970s Mr Orszaczky was invited to lead Australia’s first significant soul band with lead vocalist Marcia Hines.

During his career Mr Orszaczky collaborated with numerous Australian artists including the Savage Garden, Leonardo’s Bride, The Whitlams, You Am I, Hoodoo Gurus and Grinspoon.

Although Mr Orszaczky never considered himself a jazz musician, his music influenced many jazz artists. During his career he worked with leading jazz names including Sandy Evans, Mark Simmonds, Mark Abrahams, Tony Buck, Andrew Robson, James Greening and Dale Barlow.

In 2006, Mr Orszaczky was presented with the Knight’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Republic of Hungary for his contribution to music and culture.

The Australia Council mourns the passing of Jackie Orszaczky and sends its condolences to his family, friends and the many colleagues who worked with him during his illustrious career.