Winter of cool jazz

By GRAHAM REID

For around two decades, with a brief gap when the series faltered, jazz on a Sunday afternoon in winter has been a ritual for many Aucklanders.

The City Art Gallery auditorium on the corner of Kitchener and Wellesley Sts hosts the best musicians the city, and often the country, has to offer. International guests haven't been uncommon either.

This year's winter series starts on Sunday July 11 at 2pm and the short season offers jazz aficionados a comfortable atmosphere and interesting programme.

The series starts with Canadian-born saxophonist Jim Brenan with his new group which includes his brother Craig on trombone and fellow Canadian Ron Samson on drums, with the Auckland rhythm section of pianist Kevin Field and bassist Kevin Haines. Saxophonist Brenan has played with Maynard Fergusson, the late Ray Charles, Dianne Schuur and Phil Woods.

Next Sunday pianist Mike Walker reminds the audience of one of the most famous Auckland jazz clubs with his Montmartre Quartet of bassist Haines, saxophonist Brian Smith and drummer Tony Hopkins. The Montmartre was the most happening Auckland jazz club in the 60s and Walker was the bandleader. On July 25 there will be a trio led by guitarist Graeme Webb, then another led by Australian saxophonist Tim Hopkins, son of drummer Tony.

August 1 sees Auckland pianist/composer John Key and Strange Fruit featuring singer Barbara Cartwright; August 8 is another double trio session with trombonist Rodger Fox and pianist George Chisholm with bassist Pete McGregor, then another led by saxophonist Pete France.

On August 15 it is flautist and singer Trudy Lile and her group Mojave (which includes guitarist Webb), and the series goes out with a punch when drummer Frank Gibson leads his Jazzmobile septet.