Simply Gershwin - featuring Porgy & Bess

The Jazz Gala will present the music of the famous American composer George Gershwin in a concert called "Simply Gershwin".

From the USA jazz trumpet star Clay Jenkins will perform Porgy of Bess as recorded by the great Miles Davis and arranged by the legendary Gil Evans. Featured soloist Clay Jenkins' career as a jazz artist has covered a wide range of musical experiences and responsibilities, bringing him to the forefront of the jazz performing and teaching arenas.

Clay's experience as a performer began at an early age playing with the Stan Kenton Orchestra. He recorded three live albums with the Kenton Band, Artistry in Symphonic Jazz, A Time for Love, and The Lost Concerts, Vols. I & II, and was also involved with the "Stan Kenton Orchestra in Residence Jazz Camps." Clay moved to Los Angeles in1978, where he was in demand as both a live performer and studio-recording musician. It was at this time that he studied with the renowned trumpet teacher, James Stamp. From Los Angeles, he toured with the big bands of Harry James, Buddy Rich, and finally, the Count Basie Orchestra.

Since moving to Rochester, NY to join the Eastman faculty in 2000, Clay has maintained a busy performing, recording, and teaching schedule. He has remained active throughout the United States (especially NYC and LA) and abroad. Clay continues to perform and record with the Clayton/Hamilton Jazz Orchestra, of which he is a charter member (the trumpet section has included trumpet artists Snooky Young, Bobby Bryant, Chuck Findley, Oscar Brashear, Byron Stripling, and Bijon Watson).

Performed throughout in New Zealand 2008 with the New Zealand School of Music Big Band presenting “Miles Ahead” the great piece written by composer/arranger Gil Evans for Miles Davis.

Add to this the vocal styling of American vocalist Bruce Brown, legendary New Zealand entertainer/vocalist Ray Woolf, jazz/blues vocal star Erna Ferry. This is going to be one helluva of a concert.

In concert with Rodger Fox’s Wellington Jazz Orchestra. Wellington’s premier big band featuring the capitals finest jazz talent including Colin Hemmingsen, Alex Nyman, Vaughn Roberts, Nick Granville, Anita and Nick Van Dijk, Nick Tipping to name a few. Founded by New Zealand jazz-big band legend Rodger Fox this band covers all bases.Sizzling ensemble playing, stunning soloists and the desire to give people a good time through music.

Members of the WJO have performed with some of the biggest names in jazz including Eric Marienthal Michael Brecker, Bill Cunliffe, Joe Williams, Louie Bellson, Bob Sheppard, Bruce Forman, Bill Reichenbach, Jim Pugh to name but a few. This experience impacts on the band in a very positive way and it is hoped the band can further develop this link with national and international artists and become the jazz orchestra of choice for visiting jazz musicians.

A band of this nature can only be good for the Wellington music scene and further foster that Wellington is truly a musical hub.

Event listed by Rodger Fox

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