28 September 2006 - 0 Comments

Three of the country’s most accomplished jazz musicians all of whom have worked or studied overseas are the finalists in the New Zealand Music Awards’ Best Jazz Album category for 2006.

Paul Dyne who currently teaches jazz at Victoria University lived in Canada for a decade while Vaughan Roberts was a show band trumpeter on North American cruise ships and currently lectures at the NZ School of Music.

Third finalist Colin Hemmingsen studied and performed in the States and is now also a lecturer at the NZ School of Music.

The winner of the New Zealand Music Award for Best Jazz Album 2006 is to be announced on the opening night of the 10th Wellington International Jazz and Blues Festival which runs from November 2 to 11.

Paul Dyne is a finalist for his album Shelter of the Ti Tree. Dyne lived and performed in Canada from 1970 to 1980. In New Zealand he has played on more than 150 radio programmes for Radio NZ, recorded more than 35 CDs and albums and has backed more than 100 visiting international artists. He currently teaches Jazz Theory and Improvisation at Victoria University and is currently a Senior Lecturer in Music.

Vaughan Roberts leads his self-titled big band and is a finalist for the album Grreat Stuff!. He began his musical career with a number of youth orchestras in New Zealand before moving to the States and working on cruise lines and studying and teaching ashore.

Together with composing and arranging, running his Big Band, and work as a freelance trumpeter, he also lectures at the New Zealand School of Music.

A pioneer of New Zealand jazz, Colin Hemmingsen is a finalist for his album The Rite of Swing. Educated in the United States he returned to New Zealand to establish the country’s first jazz school, and in 1983 he founded the New Zealand Jazz Foundation.

In addition to his devotion to jazz, Hemmingsen is renowned for his work as a classical musician. He is a lecturer in jazz studies at the NZ School of Music.

Campbell Smith, spokesperson for the music awards says: “We're thrilled to take the Tui award for the Best Jazz Album to the prestigious Wellington International Jazz festival.

“This year’s finalists have certainly demonstrated amazing dedication to the genre over many years and their creativity is beyond doubt. All three are also contributing to New Zealand music, passing on their significant international knowledge through teaching and education.”

It is the second year the Tui for Best Jazz Album has been presented outside the main New Zealand Music Awards. Last year they were presented at the Manawatu Jazz and Blues Festival.

Thanks to www.rianz.org.nz for this story.

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