Tom Luer to perform with youth orchestra
The New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra members are young musicians on the top of their game and in a national tour they will be performing with renowned American saxophonist Tom Luer.
The youth orchestra is an auditioned ensemble of 20 musicians directed by jazz musicians Rodger Fox and Dave Lisik. It will perform in Palmerston North on Saturday.
Fox said the orchestra rehearses together in Wellington before embarking on its national tour and many of them will progress to national and international careers.
‘‘The band is a stepping stone for many of New Zealand’s top jazz musicians such as vocalist Holly Smith and saxophonist Nathan Haines.’’
This year’s guest artist Tom Luer has performed with the Gordon Goodwin Big Phat Band, Mike Barone Big Band and Wayne Bergeron Big Band, and plays in the four-time grammy nominated Monk’estra, led by John Beasley.
Luer performed on NBC’S The Voice, X-factor on Fox, among other shows, and in Queen Latifah’s band at the American Music Awards.
In its Palmerston North concert, the New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra will play big-band arrangements by some of the world’s leading jazz composers, including Thad Jones, John Fedchock and Willie Maidens. The orchestra plays at The Globe, Palmerston North, on Saturday at 8pm.