Jazz trio heading in our direction

by Sandy Lang

Eastbourne jazz lovers – and those wanting to find out more about jazz – can look forward to being in the groove in May when the Duncan Haynes Trio comes to St Ronan’s Church.

Duncan Haynes (piano), Blair Latham (saxophone) and Seth Boy (double bass) will present a one-hour programme of seven pieces by jazz greats Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter.

Hancock and Shorter came to prominence as part of the Miles Davis Quintet in the 1960s. Their careers had a massive influence on the jazz canon, says Haynes, and on music as a whole, worldwide. “They showed that technique is not just an end, but a steppingstone into making music that really connects with audiences,” Haynes explained.

The Duncan Haynes Trio promises to broaden people’s horizons in the intimate acoustic setting of St Ronan’s Church and to share their passion for creating genuine musical moments. “We want to involve the audience in our energy, drama and spirit. We hope people will almost become a part of the Trio as we explore elements of improvisation,” said Haynes.

Haynes studied classical piano and cello, completing his jazz piano degree at Massey University in Wellington. He has worked with Bic Runga on her multi-platinum albums Drive and Beautiful Collision. Overseas, Duncan has collaborated with top musicians in genres as

Sunday Afternoon Jazz

Sunday 14 May at 4pm at St Ronan’s Eastbourne

DUNCAN HAYNES TRIO

Duncan Haynes piano

Blair Latham saxophone

Seth Boy double bass

‘DIRECTIONS IN JAZZ’

varied as world music, rock, blues and avantgarde jazz. He returned to New Zealand in 2020 and won the Lilburn Trust composition prize last year.

Latham is a saxophonist and multiinstrumentalist with a deep love of the bass clarinet. He is to be found around Wellington in many settings from jazz, to pop, to avant-garde. Born and raised in Wellington, he completed his degree in jazz at Massey University before heading overseas where Mexico became his second home. He returned to New Zealand in 2014 and is now principal bass clarinettist in the RNZAF band.

Boy is a double bassist and composer. He is based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara where he works as a sideman and bandleader in numerous jazz and improvised-music groups, with style ranging from salsa to rock to chamber music. He completed his undergraduate studies at the New Zealand School of Music in 2019. He now serves in the RNZAF band as principal bassist.

‘Directions in Jazz’ begins at 4pm on May 14 at St Ronan’s. General admission is $20, with children under 12 free. Tickets can be purchased from organiser Sandy Lang: slang@xtra.co.nz or call 021 222 0383 for further information. There will be no door sales.

A selection of seven pieces by Herbie Hancock and Wayne Shorter

Programme About 60 minutes, no interval

Admission $20 - General admission - Children free (under 12 yrs)

Tickets Limit 100

Information

Sandy Lang slang@xtra.co.nz 021 222 0383

At St Ronan’s Church, 234 Muritai Road, Eastbourne