Friday Jazz Showcase – World Premier

Queenstown will need to brace itself for an unprecedented shot to the senses at a world premier on Friday night, exclusive to the ASB Jazzfest,” Jazzfest Trust chairman David Cole said.


“Playing at the Memorial Hall we have not one but two creative musical geniuses,” Mr Cole said.


The evening, which headlines US-based Bill Cunliffe, described as one of the world’s finest jazz pianists, will pack a double whammy with the world premier of a unique jazz journey.


“When Phil Riley and Geoff Culverwell got together five years ago to write The Ascent of Jazz, the result was always going to be dynamic,” Mr Cole said.


Culverwell is one of the country's best known jazz aficionados and Riley is best known for songs he has written for ENYA and of course The Blessing Tree album which won him five TUI nominations and was the best selling NAXOS CD ever in the US within the first four months of its release.


“The Ascent of Jazz tells the story of the emergence of popular music. It's an odyssey that incorporates specially crafted animations, video footage and of course is told through original music,” Mr Cole said.


“It’s a giant production that will excite all the senses and performed by the best of New Zealand musicians,” Riley said.


The rehearsals had been spine tingling. “Everyone will know they have been part of something quite unique” said Riley who plays a behind the scenes role in the actual presentation.


“I’m in no doubt that Friday will be one of the highlights of the festival,” Mr Cole said.


The festival continues this week with the first night of the Sky City Jazz Club tonight and Sinatra Lives and the Mountain Scene One Million Dollars concert on Saturday.

ASB Jazzfestival tickets are available online at www.asbjazzfest.co.nz or at ticketdirect 0800 224224 or at i-Site on the corner of Shotover and Camp Street.


ENDS