The next concert in our series presents a new project by Dave Wilson titled Free, Free: Meditations on Liberation. This project brings together a collective of musicians from across the music communities of Pōneke in an invitation to explore the expansive possibilities for what liberation might sound like.

Free, Free draws from legacies of musical collectivity, and celebrates a commitment to both collaboration and the distinct expression of each individual.
Ranging from contemplative minimalism to ecstatic ensemble energy and body-moving grooves, the music of Free, Free invites musicians and other listeners to tend to each moment, making their own offerings to shape the collective sound.

Dave Wilson is a saxophonist, clarinettist, composer, producer, and interdisciplinary scholar. His music bridges avant-garde and experimental music with various groove-oriented styles from the worlds of jazz, R&B, electronic music, and more.

With his 2023 album Ephemeral, described as “quite spiritually intense music” by The Guardian, he was a finalist for Te Manu Taki Tautito o te Tau | Best Jazz Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards, and for the APRA Best Jazz Composition Award. Before relocating to Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington in 2016, Dave grew up in the Chicago area, lived for a decade in Los Angeles, and spent several stints living in Skopje, North Macedonia.

Free, Free: Meditations on Liberation
Dave Wilson, Tyaan Singh – alto saxophone
Louisa Williamson – tenor saxophone
Monique Lapins, Mana Waiariki – violin
Ken Ichinose – cello
Kaito Walley, Natania Ngawhau – trombone
Ben Hunt – trumpet
Daniel Hayles, Andrew Faleatua – piano and keyboard
Phoebe Johnson – bass
Callum Allardice – guitar
Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa – drums

The performance will begin with an opening set by Flute Journeys, an offbeat mass flute ensemble with the self-described playing abilities of 5–12-year-olds, embodying a form of liberation in music.

The Jazz Orchestra Composer Series showcases original music for large jazz ensemble by New Zealand composers. Concerts take place every 1st and 3rd Friday of the month, from May to October, from 7pm. Tickets are $15, door sales $20.

Thanks to CNZ for their generous support.