The eighth concert in our series is a new suite of music by local composer, performer, and wearer of excellent hats; Jake Baxendale.

For this concert, Jake is lifting his gaze from the domestic to the majestic with his new suite of music for improvisers, “Sky Meets Country”. These new compositions utilise tools Jake developed for his Gardening Music ensemble: but where that music takes a granular approach to musical cells, simulating the inward posture of grubbing around in the earth, this new work expands outward to capture the feeling of vastness that open landscapes, bush canopies, and wide, blue skies can inspire.

Jake Baxendale is an alto saxophonist and composer based in Te Whanganui-A-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand). Raised in remote Mohua (Golden Bay), he demonstrates in his life and music a freedom of expression, a love of nature, and a community-oriented mindset that is heavily influenced by his upbringing. Jake has written, performed, and recorded extensively over his career, including "Waypeople", a commission for the Wellington Jazz Festival in 2023, and releasing his latest album "Gardening Music" earlier this year.

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 Creative New Zealand for their generous support.