Boogie-woogie queen coming to The Woolshed

Boogie Woogie queen Jan Preston and her trio.

Kiwi Jan Preston was always drawn to the boogie-woogie style of piano playing, made popular by Black Americans in the 1930s, so it's no surprise that her latest CD is called Piano Boogie Woogie - Jan singing and playing with energy and passion in the characteristic 8-to-the-bar boogie rhythm.

This is a landmark album for Jan, her 12th solo album, recorded entirely on her own grand piano, with a protracted song-writing period due to the Covid-19 lockdown in Sydney.

"I had much more listening and thinking time on this CD than any prior, and I'm very excited by the results." says Jan.

"I'm also delighted to be able to come from Australia, via hotel isolation, to play an extensive tour of the North Island with my trio.

"We'll be performing my new material as well as some music that's been in our set for a while but not recorded until now."

The boogie groove is said to have originated from the rhythm of the steam train and Jan's family home in Greymouth was near the train line.

Perhaps it's no coincidence she has an affinity with it, and plays and sings boogie-woogie with such style and energy.

Her infectious brand of boogie piano, together with her candid humour, entertaining and energetic personality, have found a loyal audience throughout Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK.

It is quite removed from her background in classical music, with a long-term interest in composition and songwriting, and her early career in New Zealand with the 1980 hit band Coup D'Etat.

A winner of five music awards, Jan also composes music for film and TV, such as her sister Gaylene Preston's film My Year With Helen, and performs side by side with the greatest contemporary boogie piano players in the world today.

Her 20 date album release New Zealand tour includes a show at Te Awamutu's Woolshed Theatre, this Saturday at 7.30pm.

Presales tickets are $25 from Eventfinda or $30 door sales.