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Friday, February 21, 2025

Howick drummer headlines popular jazz concert

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Taylor Griffin has a great band of musicians with him for their headliner performance at Jazz at the Rotunda for Music in Parks this Sunday, February 23, 1-4pm, at Auckland Domain. Photos supplied

Dynamic drummer Taylor Griffin gets another chance to display his rhythmic and songwriting flair when headlining the always well-attended Jazz at the Rotunda concert for Music in Parks this Sunday.

After a couple of quieter weeks, the Auckland Council’s Music in Parks programme swings back into full action over the next four days, with three free-entry concerts across Auckland.

They are: After Work Special, today Thursday, 4-7pm at Aotea Square in the city; Fergusson Domain with The Four Fathers on Saturday, 1-4pm; and Jazz at the Rotunda at Auckland Domain on February 23, 1-4pm.

Griffin, a drummer and composer of Howick, who has worked hard over a long period studying, writing, teaching, producing and playing with some of the best musicians going round, released his debut EP In Green last year, receiving excellent reviews.

He says of Sunday’s Jazz at the Rotunda headline spot: “Looking forward to this one. It’s going to be a hoot!”

Griffin and his superb band will be joined by other performers Lady Larisa and Love Square on the high-class bill at Jazz at the Rotunda.

Sharing the stage with Griffin will be vocalist Na’amah Cheiban, trumpeter Finn “the Genius” Scholes, saxophonist “JY” Jong-Yun Lee, David Hodkinson on bass, and Con Nor on keyboards.

Griffin says he’s just back from promoting In Green “at a few of the hot spots in London, Amsterdam, Belgium, Paris and Italy”.

“Managed to squeeze in some studio time at Ten87 studios too which was primo!

“There’s a new record in the works. This one’s going to be special. There’s not much I can say just yet, but it’s been a privilege collaborating with some of the most amazing musicians and producers in London and Aotearoa.

“Looking forward to playing at Music in Parks on Sunday for sure, fingers and toes are crossed for a pearler of a day,” says Griffin.

Taylor Griffin has built a strong reputation as a top-quality drummer, percussionist, composer and producer.

Music in Parks organisers say: “We have the coolest new cats on the scene, as well as some names you’ll know.

“First up at the Rotunda is Lady Larisa, an international jazz and soul singer whose captivating performances have taken her from the glitz of Hollywood to the soulful blues rooms of New Orleans.

“Then get ready to fall into Love Square, featuring the talents of Nick Atkinson, Finn Scholes and Alistair Deverick.

“This fine trio of musicians transport you on a jazz journey from the Caribbean to the Pacific – they’ll skank, they cha-cha, they cumbia across the stage!

“Headliner Taylor Griffin takes you through to the end of the show with his combo of sophisticated fun.

“A drummer and music producer, Griffin’s debut EP, In Green, co-produced and mixed by Nathan Haines, reached the top 10 in the New Zealand album charts in 2024,” say Music in Parks organisers.

This Thursday evening’s After Work Special at Aotea Square features the “smooth tunes” of DJ Sam Harmony, much-admired singer-songwriter Anna Coddington, and pop duo Foley.

“Anna brings an enchanting pop-up live performance, showcasing her songwriting ability in both English and te reo Māori which has seen her nominated for numerous awards,” say organisers.

Highly respected singer-songwriter Anna Coddington is one of three acts playing at the After Work Special concert at Aotea Square in the city this evening, February 20, 4-7pm.

“Rounding out the evening is innovative pop duo and world stage contenders, Foley.

“The multi-instrumentalist team of Ash Wallace and Gabriel Everett galvanise with their forward-thinking sound… ‘our one true love is a funk bassline’.

“The pair share the same philosophy and simple mantra for everything that they do, which is ‘to make people feel like they’re part of something, regardless of if that thing is huge or tiny, music is about community and coming together’.”

This Saturday’s Music in Parks concert at Fergusson Park, Onehunga, puts in the spotlight the funk-soul-pop talents of The Four Fathers.

Organisers say it’ll be an afternoon of “upbeat vibes and dancing tunes with The Four Fathers and guests”.

“A five-piece from south Auckland, The Four Fathers are influenced by many artists and genres.

“These fantastic performers cover a range of artists from Bob Marley, Eric Clapton and Smokey Robinson to Babyface, Kenny Rogers and Jim Reeves.”

Griffin’s EP, In Green reached No. 9 in the Kiwi album charts and No. 5 in the Top 10 albums at Independent Music NZ.

He says it represents a large body of work that began its life during his time at the University of Auckland, where he studied jazz under internationally renowned musicians including Ron Samsom, Chris O’Connor, Roger Manins, Oli Holland, and Kevin Field.

In Green was written and produced after the third lockdown during the Covid era, representing “a shift in the way forward, in light of modern and global changes”.

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