Dekker's Dream: The Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra

Erik Dekker is the enigmatic young drummer who drives the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra. He has been playing with the group now for two years, driving the double-time swing and keeping the band in time through all those crazy changes of time signature. Erik will once again be in the hot seat at the Dish Cafe for the latest installment of the Dunedin Jazz Club “Pop-Up” series, a gig which features the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra playing two full sets of music under the leadership of band director, Bill Martin.

The DYJO has been around now for five years and is now at the top of its game. Historically, the band has explored the music of Miles Davis and Thelonious Monk, but in more recent times has been focused on playing the most innovative repertoire in the genre of Big Band music - the compositions of German composer Florian Ross and and LA based composer and trombonist, John Hatamiya. Earlier this year, the band performed “Unfamiliar Territory”, “Pep-Pep” and “As Friends” by Hatamiya and for this gig will be exploring their back catalogue for a full two hour show.

The DYJO has a formidable rhythm section consisting of Dekker on drums, Jakira Brophy on bass, Hamish Phillips on guitar and Matthew Tait on piano. All are excellent musicians with the capacity to improvise. The saxophone section is led by alto Jack Ta, whose knowledge of jazz harmony makes him a versatile and creative soloist. In the trumpet section, Paxton Hall, Louis Robertson and Mei Admiral all have distinctive voices on their instrument. The trombone section is also very strong, featuring the lead solo voice of Finn McKinlay and bass trombonist Benji Pickering.

Repertoire on the night will include compositions by Ross, Hatamiya, Pat Metheney, Lyle Mays, Miles Davis, Bud Powell, Thelonious Monk and Steely Dan, as well as a range of standards. Louis Robertson will feature in an arrangement of “Lush Life” for solo trumpet. The band is led by club director Bill Martin who is continually pushing his players to reach new heights of excellence in the Big Band Genre!

Tickets on sale at djf.org.nz for $15 (plus $1 bf) for adults or $10 for student concessions. Door sales are available on the night for $20 cash.

Timings: 6pm Doors Open, 7pm Set One, Break, 8pm Set Two, 9pm finish.

Bill Martin Bio:

Bill Martin is a jazz pianist, saxophonist and composer who is based in Dunedin, New Zealand. He is the band leader of the "Bill Martin Trio" and the "Bill Martin Septet" and has released original albums under these titles. Bill has performed at jazz festivals around New Zealand, including the Wellington, National, Queenstown and Harbour Street Jazz Festivals. He is the Director of the Dunedin Jazz Club and the Musical Director of the Dunedin Youth Jazz Orchestra. Bill has performed in bands with a range of leading instrumentalists, including Edwina Thorne, Michael Gordon, Jake Baxendale, Geoff Culverwell, Gwyn Reynolds, Nick Tipping, Michael Storey, Nick Cornish, Roger Manins and Reuben Bradley.