NZ School of Music project takes Jazz Tui for 2009

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NZ School of Music project takes Jazz Tui for 2009

A recording project for Wellington’s NZ School of Music Big Band has been awarded the Tui for Best Jazz Album of 2009.

The album, titled ‘Run For Cover’, was recorded in August 2009 under the musical direction of renowned big band leader Rodger Fox.

Engineered by Grammy nominee Talley Sherwood, ‘Run For Cover’ features the best of New Zealand's young musicians plus three international jazz recording artists - trumpeter Clay Jenkins, saxophonist Bob Sheppard and pianist Bill Cunliffe.

Other guests include local jazz luminaries Nick Granville (guitar), Lance Philip (drums/percussion) and Alex Nyman (EWI).

The album comprises the full range of big band jazz sounds with works composed by the likes of Horace Silver, Bill Liston, Marcus Miller, Don Menza, Clifford Brown, Pete Jackson and more.

The other two finalists for the Recording Industry Association of New Zealand Jazz Album of 2009 were trios - ‘Together Again’ by Alan Broadbent, Frank Gibson and Putter Smith and ‘Open To Suggestions’ from Ron Samson, Dixon Nacey and Kevin Haines.

Project
‘Run For Cover’ is a recording project for the New Zealand School of Music Big Band and was recorded with internationally-acclaimed engineer Talley Sherwood.

Rodger Fox says having someone of Sherwood’s calibre on board helps with the process of having the CD released overseas. The CD is also a great learning tool for the NZSM musicians and recording students.

RIANZ CEO Campbell Smith says the band is no longer a secret.
“The New Zealand School of Music Big Band is one of the most exciting additions to the local big band scene. It features some of the country’s best up-and-coming jazz talent drawn from the cream of the New Zealand School of Music.

“The band’s win in 2009 is testament to the school’s role in fostering big band jazz in New Zealand and, as always, Rodger Fox’s involvement has been hugely influential in the group’s success,” Campbell says.

The band has appeared in concert with major artists such as Mike Nock, Jon Papenbrook, trombonist Jim Pugh (performed with Steely Dan and the great Woody Herman Big Band), trumpeter Clay Jenkins, Mr. Georgie Fame, international saxophone artist Bob Sheppard and the Sinatra “Lives” concert series.

2009 saw the band perform at the Wellington Jazz Festival, Deco Decanted Jazz Festival in Napier, and the Tauranga and Manawatu jazz festivals.

The New Zealand School of Music Big Band’s win will be recognized at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards 2010 onOctober 7th.

For more information visit www.nzmusicawards.co.nz

ENDS