Jack Ta Quartet featuring William Kao

Jack Ta is a young pianist in a hurry. Not only does he like to play the fast tempos but he is fast-tracking his jazz education by spending hours in the “shed”, transcribing solos or practicing licks. Few can keep up with him. Having won multiple awards at band competitions across the country - including 3rd place in the NZ jazz improvisation contest - Jack is now turning his attention to arranging tunes and leading ensembles. Fortunately, there is a young trombonist from Christchurch on Jack’s wavelength. His name is William Kao and he is on a similar trajectory, winning numerous awards and playing regular gigs on the Christchurch scene. Where these two forces intersect there should be some fireworks.

The Dunedin Jazz scene continues to improve and is fast becoming the place “to watch” in the country. Much of the credit for this revitalisation can be attributed to the tuition and mentorship of the now legendary John Dodd, a double bassist who has spent countless hours educating many of our top players from Logan Park High School. One of the finest young musicians produced at that institution is Abe Baillie - a drummer who has recently graduated from the NZ School of Music with a degree in jazz performance and is now becoming a dominant force on the scene. For this special one-off gig, Ta and Kao collide with a rhythm section that includes the experience of Dodd on the double bass and the creativity and technique of Bailie on the drums.

Get to the Dish Cafe to witness the next “move” in Jack Ta’s jazz career. Expect some fast tempos, a blues or two, some rhythm changes, plenty of standards and at least one “bossa”. With Kao in the band there’ll be some funk and pop numbers to keep the grooves deep. Ta’s ballad playing has already developed in recent months, so expect some classic slow tunes with pretty inner voicing in the style of Barry Harris. No doubt, everyone on the Dunedin jazz scene is looking forward to hearing what these two young wizards can conjure up.

Personnel:
Jack Ta (piano)
William Kao (trombone)
John Dodd (double bass)
Abe Baillie (drums)

Timing: 6pm Doors Open, 7pm Set One, 8pm Set Two

Tickets can be purchased for $15 (plus bf) from Eventfinda or $20 cash on the door. Concessions are available for students / children at $10.

Full Bio

Jack Ta is a highly spirited jazz pianist, arranger, and orchestrator. At only 16, he already gained recognition for his talent, performing as a leader and sideman at several gigs, festivals and competitions in different countries. Jack was placed top 3 in the NZ jazz improvisation contest. In addition, he won multiple awards for Piano, Improvised Solo and Arrangement at festivals locally and nationally. His influences are rooted deeply in the "bop" tradition, with inspiration from jazz legends such as Barry Harris, Wynton Kelly, Oscar Peterson, and Bud Powell. Jack's playing is energetic and interactive, showcasing his deep connection to jazz and its spirit of freedom.

Award winning William Kao is an aspiring Multi instrumentalist, specialising in jazz trombone and based in Christchurch. Performing in groups such as Lines of flight, Chicks From Corea, Kao has won awards such as best youth jazz improviser/composer, as well as a string of awards targeted towards his individual instruments. He strives to put on a show for any group of people no matter how diverse, being familiar in genres such as pop, RnB, Rock, Funk, and more which he says “makes my playing about the music, not just the jazz man”