The Jac is a Wellington based jazz octet that is focused around the compositional brilliance of band leader Jake Baxendale, which also draws upon a host of virtuoso talents of players from around New Zealand and the globe. Described as being “on par with any global contemporary jazz bands (The Jac) is an exquisite slice of NZ jazz and one that deserves to be heard”, the band also features musicians bringing influences and expertise from outside the jazz spectrum.

The appearance of the JAC at the Dunedin Jazz Club forms part of a national tour in which they will launch their third and fourth studio albums, titled “A Gathering” and “Walking Spirits” respectively. Featuring material from The Jac’s 2017 collaboration with Korean quartet Black String, plus a swathe of brand new original compositions, these albums represent a milestone in their sound. Recorded at Roundhead Studios in Auckland, they are a beautifully produced capture of a band at the height of its powers, showcasing their intricate and immersive compositions, tight ensemble playing and assertive, individual improvising voices.

Personnel:

Jake Baxendale (alto), Ben Hunt (trumpet), Chris Buckland (saxophones), Matthew Allison (trombone), Callum Allardice (guitar), Daniel Hayles (piano), Nick Tipping (bass), Shaun Anderson (drums).

Timing:

7:15 Doors Open, 7:45 Set One, 8:45 Interval, 9:00 Set Two

Notes: ‘Tūī’, one of the titles from ‘A Gathering’, was awarded the APRA NZ Best Jazz Composition award in 2020. The Jac has performed the music for no less than 5 other winners and nominees of the same award since 2014. They have headlined the Wellington Jazz Festival and featured in the Jarasum International Jazz Festival (KOR), Bukchon Music Festival (KOR), National Jazz and Blues Festival (NZ) and performed throughout Aotearoa, Australia and South Korea.