Jamming with the DYJO at Otago Uni

Jamming with the DYJO at Otago Uni

The Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra performs at the University of Otago for the first time on April 9 as part of the fortnightly jam sessions being held on Tuesday nights at the Union building. The DYJO is a selective jazz big band that brings together the best young musicians and improvisers in town to play contemporary jazz repertoire in a variety of styles. For this gig, the band will play a number of funk classics as well as some more traditional swinging standards to get the house moving!

The rhythm section is driven by drummer Erik Dekker, who is ably supported by pianist Mathew Tait, guitarist Hamish Philips and electric bassist, Jakira Brophy. All have studied music at the University and perform in bands around town. This talented and disciplined rhythm section enables the band to perform funk compositions such as Steely Dan’s “Peg” or Jon Hatamiya’s “Pep-Pep”.

The horn section also features some talented soloists. Louis Robertson will play an extended trumpet solo on the ballad “Lush Life”, as well as a range of swinging solos over the standards. Lead trombone player Colin MacAndrew will feature with solos over Bob Curnow’s arrangement of Pat Metheney’s “It’s Just Talk” and a big band arrangement of Steely Dan’s “Kid Charlemagne”. The band is led by DJC director Bill Martin, who will also be playing lead tenor saxophone on the gig.

Get down to Auahi Ora Cafe int the Union Building at the University of Otago to experience the luscious sound of this Big Band. Players from the band will feature for a jam session after the first set. Musicians are encouraged to bring their instruments and get up for jam after 9pm.

Tuesday, 9 April, 8-10pm

Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra

Auahi Ora Cafe, University of Otago Union

Part of the “JazzJams@Ubar” Tuesday night jam sessions

More info at dunedinjazz.club