The opening night of the festival features the stylish Mary Watson and Noir, a sultry blend of cool jazz and mellow mood music
In her 6th year at the Jazz in Martinborough festival, Mary Watson has a new and accomplished line up to support her intimate and inclusive stage presence.
Wellington drummer Greg Crayford, local bassist, Patrick Bleakley and Wellington pianist and singer Ruth Armishaw, combine their many years’ experience to create a sophisticated musical environment to help draw listeners into a connection with her refined singing style and honest interpretations of the music.
Noir have drawn big crowds to Peppers Parehua during previous festivals and last year’s gig at Peppers Parehua was a highlight for many. “We thought it was time we showcase Mary’s singing talents for a wider festival audience,” says Lee Quayle (JIM Music Director) “Mary has a great band of super musicians who play a wide range of jazz with ease and style.”
Ruth Armishaw (keyboards/vocals)
A chameleon of the Wellington music scene, you could easily see Rusth Armishaw singing and playing jazz in a restaurant on Thursday, singing Brazilian Samba in a bar on Friday, on stage at the Saint James’ in an opera on Saturday, and singing as a soloist for a choral oratorio concert Sunday afternoon.
Greg Crayford (drums)
A Wellington-based jazz drummer from a high-profile musical family, Greg has been performing for more than twenty years as a jazz/show/rock musician with some of the best musicians around.
Greg Head of Music at Rongotai College and leader of Wellington-based band, Pleasure Point.
Patrick Bleakley (bass)
Patrick (Paddy) Bleakley soared to fame in 1977 as an actor playing alongside Bruno Laurence age of 17 and later played in his legendary 70’s band Blerta.
Paddy has established himself as one of New Zealand’s top double bass players and lives in the Wairarapa.