New York performer set to perform in Rotorua

PERFORMANCE: New York based singer, songwriter and pianist, Dan Bolton, will be performing in Rotorua with his quartet. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

A New York based singer, songwriter and pianist is visiting Rotorua for the first time to perform with his quartet.

Dan Bolton and his quartet will be performing at the Rotorua Little Theatre on Wednesday from 7.30pm to 10pm as part of The Dan Bolton Quartet New York Stories Tour.

He said he would be performing both original songs and songs from the Great American Songbook.

"My original music is very much in the mould of the Great American Songbook (a la George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin) but with a modern twist."

Bolton said he toured New Zealand last January but he did not come to Rotorua, making it his first time performing here.

He said he had been writing songs since he was 15 years old.

"I love performing, especially when it's music I've written. I like to involve the audience in my shows and let them know about the stories behind each song I write.

"It's extremely satisfying for me to experience that connection with other people through my songs."

Bolton said musically his biggest inspiration was the composers of the Great American Songbook.

In terms of performance, Harry Connick Jnr was a major influence as a fellow jazz singer and pianist, he said.

"Inspiration wise, a lot of my songs are about my experiences living in New York and, of course, women. I write a lot of songs about women."

He said he had been looking forward to performing with "such a stellar band" on this tour.

The quartet features New York City based drummer Mark Lockett, Kiwi jazz icon Reuben Derrick on saxophone and bassist Johnny Lawrence from Electric Slide Hustle.

"My music is accessible to jazz audiences and non-jazz audiences alike. I like to engage the audience in each song.

"The band also has a great time playing the show and audiences really pick up on that."

General admission costs $25 and is available by door sale only.