Bare Essentials

Local talent is on show at the next instalment of the Dunedin Jazz Club “Pop-Up” series, with Dunedin based group “Bare Essentials” presenting their unique blend of vocal and instrumental jazz that is built around the foundation of John Meddings’ crystalline guitar playing and Bill Davidson’s bluesy vocals. In more recent times, Annemarie Nelson has joined the group, adding a layer of harmonic sophistication to the sound with her piano accompaniment and sultry voice. For this special one-off gig, tenor saxophonist Bill Martin also joins the group, playing a range of fills and improvised lines that will enhance the polished and professional sound of this vastly experienced group.

Repertoire on the night will explore a range of jazz standards and pop classics inspired by performers from many eras in the history of jazz. Singers such as Peggy Lee and Betty Carter have inspired some of the arrangements, as well as references to the Doo-Bop era through the inclusion of up-tempo blues by Louis Jordan. There’ll be some bossa novas in the style of Getz and Gilberto, ballads in the style of Diana Krall, as well as a few Duke Ellington compositions. All in all, Bare Essentials will take you on a journey through the great American Songbook, providing their own take on classic songs that still have room for novel interpretation.

Personal:
William Davidson (vocals)
John Meddings (guitar)
Annemarie Nelson (piano and vocals)
Bill Martin (tenor saxophone)

Timings: 6pm Doors Open, 7pm Set One, 7:45 Break, 8pm Set Two, 9pm Finish.
Cash Door Sales: $20 (adult), $10 (child / student)

Group Bio:

Bare Essentials are a Dunedin Trio with a wealth of experience both nationally and internationally. William & John have played together in various projects over several decades while individually pursuing other backing, recording and touring opportunities. Annemarie has an impressive musical history including a recently released album. Annemarie uses her rich, sultry voice to beautiful effect, giving her own memorable treatment to tried-and-true standards by artists ranging from Diana Krall to Sting and Stevie Wonder. The lead vocalist with the Oxo Cubans during the late-1990s, Annemarie went on to perform in Hardware Lane, Melbourne, at Rubens Palace Hotel and The Milestone, both in London, the Crown Plaza Hotel, in Amman, Jordan, and on the Aegean Odyssey cruise ship in the Mediterranean. She also had an eight year residency at the Blue Note, in Christchurch, also played at Ombrellos, in Dunedin, and Terrace Downs Golf Resort, in Canterbury.