Music at its finest for Jazz Club

Adrienne Fenemor plays at the Grand Hotel on August 30.

The Wanganui Jazz Club proudly welcomes 'home' singer/organist Adrienne Fenemor with a supper concert at the Grand Hotel on Tuesday, August 30. The Kiwi musician, resident in New York City since 2009, is on tour in New Zealand, playing seven concerts in seven nights, beginning in Christchurch and ending in Auckland.
Adrienne carries on the tradition of playing jazz and blues on the Hammond organ, a style that gained worldwide recognition through the legendary Jimmy Smith.
I caught up with her (thanks to social media) a few days ago and we had a bit of a chat.
On getting started ... "When I was four I began singing for audiences in country music competitions. My Dad is a musician and music teacher. My parents owned a music shop when I was child and everything musical was encouraged. I tried an array of instruments from trumpet to violin and everything in between. After trying so many instruments I realised the Hammond Organ was my calling."
On living in New York... "One of the things I really miss about living in NZ is the ease of life. Living in NYC is amazing but you need to develop a tough skin, and you are often pushed to your limits. It can be an emotional rollercoaster as a musician and it takes a few years to learn how to deal with the ups and down of the music business."
And cruise ships... "To help subsidise living in New York I would often perform on cruise ships for months at a time. This was an invaluable experience, performing seven nights a week for the length of the contract which could range from one to six months. I was able see many countries and cultures of the world. It was truly a test of endurance!"
On a life of music making... "I knew from a young age the effect that music had on people by performing at retirement villages and various institutions. I got to see how people would react to certain songs. These experiences made me realise how powerful music can be, that it can change your mood and evoke feelings of happiness and reflection. I dedicate my life to music because it makes me happy."
What we can expect to hear on August 30... "My Whanganui fans can look forward to a sensational evening of explosive organ-based music, filled with swing and swagger in addition to new and classic tasty vocal stylings. I will be joined at the Grand Hotel with New Zealand's own amazing musicians Mark Lockett (drums) and Noel Clayton (guitar)."
Tickets from the Grand Hotel $45 for a buffet dinner at 6.30pm followed by the show at 7.30. There are only 70 places, and if all places have not been sold there will be door sales at 7.30 on the night at $25 to hear Adrienne and her band.