The John Rae Trio
Saturday 11 October
John Rae, drums
Ben Wilcock, piano
Patrick Bleakley, double bass
New Zealand composers, musicians and jazz legends John Rae, Patrick Bleakley and Ben Wilcock have come together to form the John Rae Trio especially for this unmissable Warkworth Music concert. The trio will play work from the album Splendid Isolation, (“beguiling” - PBS, The Modernist), new material and music from John Rae's previous albums.
Programme - Splendid Isolation & more
Apple Road (Rae)
Say it with a smile (Rae)
Take a minute (Rae)
The Expanse (Wilcock)
Try Tone (Rae)
Splendid Isolation (Rae)
Archie's Rumble (Wilcock)
Yes (Rae)
Position Normal (Rae/Wilcock/Bleakley)
Together (Rae)
Esperar (Wilcock)
Brainiac (Wilcock)
Their story
John Rae is a jazz drummer and award winning composer. In 2009/10 he was the first ever jazz Composer-in-Residence at Victoria University Wellington. His writing incorporates a global perspective and his use of traditional instruments along with strings and jazz instruments can only be described as 21st century music". John recorded his first album at the age of sixteen with the Scottish saxophonist Tommy Smith and has subsequently recorded over 70 albums both as a leader and side man, including two BBC Jazz Albums of the Year. Awarded a ‘Herald Angel Award’ at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and leader and composer for the New Zealand jazz group, The Troubles. From 2000-2003 drummer for the Scottish National Jazz Orchestra and has performed and recorded with many world renowned jazz musicians including Ethan Iverson, Vijay Iyer and Mike Nock. Originally from Scotland, John has been a New Zealand citizen since 2016.
Originally from Hamilton pianist Ben Wilcock has been a regular on the jazz scene performing in bars, clubs and venues all across Aotearoa. After an excursion to the UK (2003-08) Ben returned to find employment with NZ soul sensation Bella Kalolo, Aaradnha and Louis Baker. Ben teaches at the New Zealand School of Music.
Patrick Bleakley is one of the busiest and most loved musicians in the New Zealand music scene. He began his bass playing career with legendary Kiwi group Blerta and has since performed with a who’s who of New Zealand jazz including Jonathan Crayford, Alda Rezende, The Troubles, Ben Wilcock and many more.