The hills are alive
10/02/2010 10:23:00 a.m.
ONE of New Zealand’s finest jazz composers has his fingers crossed the weather will be good so he and his 18-piece Big Band can let loose for a loved-up audience.
Jazz trumpeter Vaughn Roberts is performing a free show on Valentines Day at Williams Park in Days Bay as part of Hutt City Council’s Pelorus Trust Music in Parks.
His last Big Band show at the Botanic Garden Soundshell last week was cancelled due to weather, so he’s hoping for the sun this time.
“It’s good to have any opportunity to play with an 18-piece Big Band. Our performances are few and far between, just because of the logistics. Plus, getting 18 really good people together – the cream of the crop – is great,” Roberts says.
He says because the show falls on Valentines Day, it will be special for some of the audience, and he’s taken that into consideration with his song choices.
And just because Roberts is performing doesn’t mean he won’t be able to celebrate. “My girlfriend will be there so there might be a dedication or two,” he smiles.
Roberts, who has performed with International stars such as Ronan Keating and Norah Jones, thinks Kiwi musicians are some of the most adaptable in the world.
“Being from a smaller place you’ve got to find your own way a lot more. We have more variety in New Zealand, and Wellington, in particular, tends to be the creative hub.”
Roberts, who won the Tui Jazz Award in 2006, is looking forward to seeing fellow Tui Award winner Whirimako Black, who is also performing on the day.
The Vaughn Roberts Big Band, Whirimako Black and Phil Costello and the 5 o’clock Shadows, Williams Park, 4-8pm, February 14.
Pelorus Trust Music in Parks, various locations, 4-8pm, every Sunday from February 14-28. www.summerscene.co.nz for programme.
Jazz trumpeter Vaughn Roberts is performing a free show on Valentines Day at Williams Park in Days Bay as part of Hutt City Council’s Pelorus Trust Music in Parks.
His last Big Band show at the Botanic Garden Soundshell last week was cancelled due to weather, so he’s hoping for the sun this time.
“It’s good to have any opportunity to play with an 18-piece Big Band. Our performances are few and far between, just because of the logistics. Plus, getting 18 really good people together – the cream of the crop – is great,” Roberts says.
He says because the show falls on Valentines Day, it will be special for some of the audience, and he’s taken that into consideration with his song choices.
And just because Roberts is performing doesn’t mean he won’t be able to celebrate. “My girlfriend will be there so there might be a dedication or two,” he smiles.
Roberts, who has performed with International stars such as Ronan Keating and Norah Jones, thinks Kiwi musicians are some of the most adaptable in the world.
“Being from a smaller place you’ve got to find your own way a lot more. We have more variety in New Zealand, and Wellington, in particular, tends to be the creative hub.”
Roberts, who won the Tui Jazz Award in 2006, is looking forward to seeing fellow Tui Award winner Whirimako Black, who is also performing on the day.
The Vaughn Roberts Big Band, Whirimako Black and Phil Costello and the 5 o’clock Shadows, Williams Park, 4-8pm, February 14.
Pelorus Trust Music in Parks, various locations, 4-8pm, every Sunday from February 14-28. www.summerscene.co.nz for programme.
