Melancholy Babes Trio performing at the Musicians’ Club

The Melancholy Babes bring their New Jazz from the Big City to the Whanganui Musicians' Club.

Jeff Henderson is one of the country’s most accomplished saxophonists, and his jazz trio that is coming to town this Saturday is anything but ‘melancholy’; nor are they ‘babes’.

Their music is best described once experienced in live performance. They are a high-powered musical outfit that plays without electric amplification.

“Exploratory jazz trio The Melancholy Babes visit Whanganui as part of a tour releasing the album Jazz from the Underground Nightclubs of Aotearoa Vol. 10 – Lovebite on the Kiwijahzz label (that can be sampled on the Bandcamp website),” the group stated.

“The Melancholy Babes have been performing and evolving their original music over the last three decades. From knotty jazz compositions to elegant Ellingtonia, free improvisation and beyond, the trio is dedicated to exploring the wide worlds of possibility within a saxophone, bass, and drums format.”

Saxophonist Jeff Henderson is renowned for his dynamic and energetic playing which incorporates all manner of sounds and techniques.

“His long history as a player and composer has seen him perform in a huge array of situations throughout New Zealand and internationally with many renowned artists.

“Double bass player Tom Callwood has a rich history in NZ music, performing in well-known bands The Phoenix Foundation and Little Bushman, with Wellington jazz groups The Woods and Devils Gate Outfit, and alongside a plethora of leading NZ artists.

“Anthony Donaldson is a drummer who has made an indelible impact on New Zealand music. From his beginnings with Wellington creative music pioneers Primitive Art Group and Braille collective, to the Six Volts and Front Lawn, the Bung Notes, Flower Orphans, Devils Gate Outfit, and dozens more. His unique approach to rhythm and composition has seen him perpetually at the forefront of adventurous jazz in New Zealand.”

The Melancholy Babes bring their New Jazz from the Big City to the Whanganui Musicians Club on Saturday, June 17, 8pm. Tickets are $20 at the door, and club members (both Musicians Club and Jazz Club) are $15.

Advance tickets are available from www.undertheradar.co.nz - come out and join us for what is sure to be an inspiring performance.