Late Lounge: The Troubles

Sit back and enjoy the best of New Zealand contemporary jazz at Late Lounge. All galleries, cafe and cash bar open until 9pm.

The Troubles are led by John Rae, one of Scotland’s best known and loved jazz musicians and composers. Hailing from Edinburgh, John has been living in New Zealand for six years. John has a well established career playing drums and composing alongside some of the world’s best, as well as leading his own groups of Celtic inspired jazz. The Troubles also feature Lucien Johnson, the rising star of Pacific jazz, recently returned from living in France. As well as playing sax in The Troubles, Lucien is the co-composer, with John, of the group's music.

John and Lucien are joined by bass player Patrick Bleakley, a stalwart of legendary Kiwi bands such as Blerta and the Jonathan Crayford Trio. Patrick is a major player in the New Zealand music scene and has been for over twenty years. Also in The Troubles are the string section of Tristan Carter, Charley Davenport and Andrew Filmer who together help to create a unique sound that is rarely heard in jazz. Dan Yeabsley is on multi sax and Nick Van Dijk on trombone and trumpet.

The Troubles' debut CD released on Rattle Records was recorded during one of their exuberant evenings at Happy Bar in Wellington, a snapshot of one of New Zealand's most original and engaging ensembles.