Improvisations on the Classics

On Sunday May 7 jazz pianist Chris Dann returns to the Globe stage, this time joined by Stephanie McKenzie on the saxophone, and Berndt Reiss on the bass to present a programme of Improvisations on the Classics. Audiences of Chris’s past concerts will remember his playing for his dazzling display of keyboard musicianship, imagination and dexterity.

Chris Dann is very well known to Manawatu jazz audiences as a versatile and entertaining pianist of national standing who is prepared to cross the boundaries of musical styles. He has appeared a number of times in the Te Manawa and Globe series with different performers including the Trio Bella ensemble. Chris was introduced to jazz music through attending a workshop by the Jamey Aebersold clinic which came to New Zealand in 1979. He studied classical music with Bruce Greenfield at the Wellington Polytechnic in the 1980's. When attending the Wellington Polytechnic music course in 1981 he was introduced to playing with a big-band with Bud Jones. Chris enjoys working with different styles of music and the associated varying groups.

Stephanie Mckenzie began lessons on the clarinet at seven and transferred her skills to flute and saxophone in high school. She has played in numerous groups – classical, chamber, jazz, combo’s and big bands. She has played for theatre shows, at Disneyland in LA, recorded as an instrumentalist for old style albums, CDs, radio and played recitals. She also teaches saxophone, clarinet, flute, fife and recorder, and enjoys helping people achieve their musical goals.

Berndt Reiss grew up in Freiburg, Germany, learning guitar from his father. He got into playing electric bass and double bass while studying engineering in the 1980s, and played in various jazz bands. Although not playing much over the next few decades, he was always passionate and interested in bass and jazz music. On retirement in 2020 he moved to NZ with his kiwi partner. Now living in Palmy, Berndt dedicates his time playing his various basses and exploring the local jazz scene. He enjoys meeting and working with great musicians and is excited to share his passion for jazz with audiences.

Chris, Stephanie and Berndt will present classical tunes, particularly by Bach, Leonard Bernstein and Chopin, and some New Zealand classics including Welcome Home by Dave Dobbyn, Hine e Hine and our national anthem. The point of difference will be the use of some added improvisation and alternative arrangements so that the familiar tunes may be heard “in a different light.”

The concert begins at 2.30pm and admission is by donation, recommended from $5.