Be-bop to Broadway

Be-bop to Broadway

The second in a monthly series of Broadway Style Dinner & Show experiences. Featuring… The Folk & Jazz talent of NZ Singer/Songwriter:

Karen Hunter And the Auckland based Jazz Outfit: Last Dance Charlie

Last Dance Charlie combine the fresh energy of three young Jazz students form Auckland University with the experience of singer/songwriter Káren Hunter. The four started working together in March 2004 and have since acquired a residency at Auckland’s classy ‘Khuja Lounge’, a haven for R’n’B and funky soul in the Queen City.

Last Dance Charlie perform Jazz with a contemporary flavour. Original songs penned by Hunter receive a groove-tinged treatment that leaves space for magical moments of spontaneous musicality. There is always a chance they will resurrect a standard or two, ensuring there is something for all tastes on the menu.

Last Dance Charlie is comprised of bass, drums, piano, guitar and vocals. There is no designated leader, their magic lies in the art of letting the music flow with stellar communication within the band. Káren Hunter sings and plays guitar with soul and strength. Pianist Nicholas Rogan injects stunningly original harmonic textures and ambience while the rhythm section - Colin Hunter and Tala Ofamooni - respond with solid-state-of-the-art funk, swing and dub feels.

This will be Káren Hunter’s first Wellington gig for two years and Last Dance Charlies first gig in the capital. LDC are also playing at Shed 11 on Wednesday and Thursday an Art exhibition by Wellington painter Jane Kellahan. Deep in the heart of the city, below Auckland University’s indelible bulwark of Art and Jazz, tenor players blow their modes by day in preparation for nights (and inevitable mornings) of harmonic explorations and story-telling. Almost before the paint has dried on the club-lit varsity walls a beautiful contemporary blend of Jazz and Pop swirl together as if the God of Music was a barman who didn't think twice about mixing a Bloody Mary and a Moonlight Margarita together.

Last Dance Charlie is just that bizarre mix. Composed of three second year Jazz majors and one Pop / Folk songstress, it is brilliant. It doesn't realise how tall it is. It's a flurry of harmonic textures with rhythms that fall down the stairs but land on their feet. It's the cat's midnight robe. It's Jazz. Sandwiches 8 Kent Terrace, Wellington November 14th 2004 at 7pm $10 Ticket at the Door $40 Ticket plus Three course meal and Montana Wine Specials (Table Bookings Recommended) More information at www.sandwiches.co.nz www.lastdancecharlie.co.nz www.karenhunter.com www.nicholasrogan.com

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