08 April 2012 - 0 Comments

Rodger Fox’s new group Rodger Fox’s Wellington Jazz Orchestra, has taken out the New Zealand Music Awards Tui for Best Jazz Album of 2012.

The award was presented at the National Jazz Festival, hosted in the city of Tauranga during Easter weekend, following showcase performances by all three finalists.

Other finalists were Wellingtonian Tim Hopkins for Seven and Aucklander Phil Broadhurst for Delayed Reaction.

Journey Home was released by Jayrem Records and features compositions by acclaimed jazz pianist, arranger and composer Alan Broadbent. It was produced by Rodger Fox and the band.

As one of New Zealand’s foremost jazz trombonists and big band leaders, Fox is no stranger when it comes to winning Tuis – he was a winner in 1981 and 2000 and a finalist in both 1984 and 2001.

Members of the Wellington Jazz Orchestra include Colin Hemmingsen (Tenor Sax), Matt Hitti (Flugelhorn), Dave Lisik (Trumpet), Alex Nyman (Alto Sax), Nick Granville (Guitar), Lance Philip (Drums), Nick Tipping (Bass) and Anita Schwabe (piano).

The Wellington Jazz Orchestra has performed and honed its craft with some of the biggest names in jazz including Michael Brecker, Bill Cunliffe, Joe Williams, Louie Bellson, Bob Sheppard, Bruce Forman, Bill Reichenbach and Jim Pugh.

The judging panel felt such a wealth of experience resulted in a thoroughly mature and accomplished first release.

New Zealand Music Awards spokesperson and RIANZ managing director Chris Caddick says

“It’s fitting that a real icon of New Zealand music has won the Tui for Best Jazz Album in the 50^th year of the National Jazz Festival in Tauranga. Sincere congratulations to Rodger Fox for a much deserved win.”

Tauranga’s National Jazz Festival director Arne Herrmann says, “Roger Fox has been a major player in the Festival’s history for decades. How pertinent is it that he can celebrate his contribution to this Festival and Jazz in general in New Zealand with a Jazz Tui Award at our 50^th”.

The National Jazz Festival in Tauranga is in its 50^th year and attracts more than 60,000 jazz enthusiasts over the four days of Easter.

Comments

Return to News Archive