Jazz in Martinborough has booked the Royal New Zealand Airforce Jazz Orchestra as its feature act for 2025.
“We’re delighted to be able to fill the stage with a full-sized big band of fabulous musicians, and the Town Hall with the fantastic sounds of the big band era,” Jazz in Martinborough Music Director Lee Quayle said.
Jazz in Martinborough is back for its 13th edition on the first Friday 5 and Saturday, 6 September – with shows and other gigs around town as usual.
“The RNZAF Jazz Orchestra will be one of our ticketed gigs, featuring on the Saturday evening,” he said. Details of the Friday show will be announced in the next month.
Staying true to the tradition of swing and improvisation the orchestra draws on its own rich history dating back to the original ‘swing era,’ Lee added. A national trailblazer in big band history, the band features New Zealand compositions and a classic repertoire from the golden era of big band swing jazz of Ellington and Basie.
The band benefits from a depth of talent that most military bands around the world would only dream of and is made up of Wellington’s most exceptional musicians.
“The line-up will be a who’s who of the Wellington jazz scene,” Lee noted. “It’s a while since we had a big band at the festival, so we’re elated to have the Airforce Jazz Orchestra back with us again.” They last played at the festival in 2014.
Membership for the Jazz Orchestra is drawn from the larger RNZAF Band which performs regularly at Parliament, Government House and Pukeahu National War Memorial – parading for NZDF and government ceremonies including Anzac Day, state occasions and visiting dignitaries. All members of the band are part-time reservists who are also freelance musicians and work with the likes of the NZSO, Orchestra Wellington, Shapeshifter, Troy Kingi and Dallas Tamaira.
For more information, and emails: jazzinmartinborough.co.nz.
Tickets available from iTicket from 30 June.
