Jazz in Martinborough returns in 2023 with an old favourite, the Nairobi Trio, and the “mystical and lyrical” Lucien Johnson Quartet.
The festival will again consist of two Town Hall concerts, on the Friday and Saturday nights. “Our festival is always on the first weekend of Spring, this year it’s the 1st and 2nd of September,” says festival music director Lee Quayle.
“We’re bringing back an old favourite of many a kiwi jazz music fan, the Nairobi Trio, to get the weekend off to a rollicking start on the Friday night,” says Lee.
Described as “New Zealand’s favourite jazz entertainers” the Nairobi Trio are guaranteed to captivate, charm and delight any audience. “As always, it will be a glorious night out. These guys are excellent composers of original material, fabulous, world class musicians, and super entertainers for lovers of a great show,” says Lee.
To bring variety and diversity to the festival the team have engaged the magnificent Lucien Johnson for the Saturday night show. “Mary and I first came across Lucien about 15 years ago when he played at the Tin Hut with John Rae and Patrick Bleakley (billed as The Troubles) as part of the Cross Creek Blues Club regular monthly gigs. He was amazing then, but he’s even better now,” says Lee.
Lucien Johnson has been described as “a saxophonist and composer of rare excellence and mettle.” One of New Zealand’s leading jazz musicians, his latest album “Wax//Wane” has met with rave reviews from the international press, with London Jazz News describing it as “Mystical, a touch retro and increasingly spellbinding” and France Musique calling it “bewitching and astonishing”.
Tickets will go on sale in July through iTicket. Follow us on Facebook to get regular updates. Or go to the website to join the mailing list.
Andy will be bringing his Good Times Food Truck and terrific food again; and we’re especially pleased to be working with Hayley from Stad-ko Wines for all your beverage needs.
