Musician recognised by Coldplay to perform one-off concert

News release
March 13, 2013

Christchurch musician recognised by Coldplay to perform in one-off concert

A talented Christchurch musician who has captured the attention of British band Coldplay will perform in the city next month as part the Cavell Leitch New Zealand Jazz & Blues Festival.

Mark Vanilau has worked with some of New Zealand's best, including Dave Dobbyn, Ladi6 and Scribe, and recently gained worldwide attention when the video of his latest single Giant of the Sea featured on Coldplay's website.

A multi-instrumentalist with a distinctive, velveteen voice Vanilau will be teaming up with fellow Kiwi musicians Warren Maxwell and Louis Baker for a one-off concert in Christchurch on April 5.

Maxwell, best-known for Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy's Drop and Little Bushman, has worked with both the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and Auckland Philharmonia, while Baker is known for his ability to move a room to a complete stand-still with his soulful vocals and endearingly honest lyrics.

While the April 5 concert will be the first time the trio have performed together in Christchurch it is not the first time they have shared a stage. They have performed together elsewhere in New Zealand, to rave reviews.

"I haven't experienced emotionally moving music like this since Eric Clapton's Unplugged. These men are to New Zealand what The Band was to the United States in the 1970s - a musos' band," one reviewer said recently of the trio.

Festival director Jodi Wright says the trio's superb vocal harmonies and original songs will thrill music lovers.

"They've very soulful singers and there music is guaranteed to lift your spirits. It will be a fabulous concert and a great chance to see some of New Zealand's best and brightest performing live," Ms Wright says.

The Vanilau Maxwell Baker concert is being held in the Geo Dome in Christchurch's North Hagley Park. Tickets cost $40 and are available through www.dashtickets.co.nz.

For more details on other performances during the New Zealand Jazz & Blues Festival, which runs from April 3 to 7, log onto www.jazzfestivalnz.com.

Two concerts during the festival have already sold out so it is recommended people book early.

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