Since 2011 and the devastating February earthquake that hit Christchurch, Jazz In Martinborough has been loyal supporters and hosts to Christchurch musicians. This year the Senses Quintet is made up of three Christchurch and two Auckland musicians.
Not having played together as a quintet before, they are going to demonstrate the powerful way music can bring everyone together and the way it is used to express oneself, particularly through jazz. You can expect to hear some classics as well as a few original tunes from various members of the band.
- Sam Gauntlett (vocals) of Christchurch
- Brad Kang (guitar) of Christchurch
- Nick Dow (piano) of Christchurch
- Denholm Orr (bass) Auckland
- Daniel Waterson (drums) Auckland
Sam Gauntlett is a Christchurch based jazz vocalist, drawing on the influence of improvisers such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Cyrille Aimee. She is currently studying in her final year at Ara Music Arts, and performs regularly in a range of settings around Christchurch. Recently, Sam has been working on a number of projects, including a series of concerts showcasing the music of artists such as Cyrille Aimee, Esperanza Spalding, and Robert Glasper.
Brad Kang has moved back home to Christchurch after a spell in the United States earning his Bachelor of Music in jazz guitar at the prestigious University of North Texas. During his time there, he was part of the world-renowned One O’Clock Lab Band. Their album ‘Lab 2015’, which Kang was a part of as a composer and player, received a Grammy nomination for one of the tracks ‘Neil’. Kang has performed with household names in the international jazz scene such as Bobby McFerrin, Arturo Sandoval, Doc Severinson, Mike LeDonne, Wycliffe Gordon, Mike Clark and Adam Larson. He is a currently part of the faculty at The Ara Institute of Canterbury in Christchurch.
Nick Dow is a jazz pianist and songwriter who graduated from CPIT Jazz School, Christchurch . Music has been prominent in Nick’s life from his early childhood, including playing the violin, piano and singing. After beginning violin, his love and talent for improvisation led him to jazz piano. He also composes and orchestrates music. In 2013 Nick toured the United States and Canada with the NZ Youth Choir; and he has also performed in Africa on tour with the NZ Secondary Students Choir.