THE RODGER FOX BIG BAND
N E W Z E A L A N D
Welcome to the website of Wellington's Premier big band. Founded by New Zealand jazz big band legend, Rodger Fox, this band covers all bases and features the cream of the capital city's jazz talent. Sizzling ensemble playing, stunning soloists and the desire to give people a good time through music - this is the Rodger Fox Big Band.
LATEST NEWS
'You Gotta Know' Release
The latest offering from the Rodger Fox Big Band, recorded January 2020 at Bunker Studios in Brooklyn, NY. This album features original compositions and arrangements by New Zealand composers. Available for purchase and streaming in the web store, Apple Music, Amazon, and Spotify.
Engineered by Aaron Nevezie, check out the video below!
Michael Houstoun Tour Re-scheduled
Due to restrictions regarding Covid-19, this tour has been postponed to later in the year. All tickets already purchased will be valid and transferable to the new dates. Hopefully, we will be back making music soon but in the meantime stay safe and healthy!
Palmerston North April 05 postponed to September 20th, 2020.
Blenheim April 18 postponed to November 7th, 2020.
Nelson April 19 postponed to November 8th, 2020.
Rodger Fox Big Band Plays New Zealand out now
This past year has been a busy one for the big band! 'Plays New Zealand' is another full-length studio album recorded mid 2019, featuring more outstanding compositions by members of the band and other New Zealand composers.
Due to Covid-19 we will not be shipping any physical products for the time being but never fear! Digital copies are available for purchase right away - click below!
GALLERY
HIGHLIGHTS FROM US TOUR, JANUARY 2020
ABOUT US
Wellington's premier big band featuring the capital's finest jazz talent. Founded by New Zealand jazz-big band legend Rodger Fox, this band covers all bases.
Members of the WJO have performed with some of the biggest names in jazz including Robben Ford, Patti Austin, Kurt Elling, Bob Mintzer, Joey Defrancesco, Mike Stern, Steve Gadd, Dave Weckl, Steve Smith, Dick Oatts, Alex Sipiagin, Bob Sheppard, Bruce Forman, Charley Davis, Denise Perrier, Alan Broadbent and Jim Pugh ... to name but a few. These experiences impact on the band in a very positive way and it is hoped that projects like this, featuring both international and local artists can continue in the the future.
June of 2011 saw the release of the band's first recording Journey Home featuring internationally acclaimed New Zealand composer/arranger/pianist Alan Broadbent. This album went on to win the Jazz Album of the Year at the NZ music awards in 2012.
A band of this nature can only be good for the Wellington music scene and further foster Wellington as a true musical hub.
All of this would not be possible without the fearless leadership of New Zealand’s foremost jazz trombonist, big band leader, jazz educator, arranger and producer, Rodger Fox. He has performed in concert (and still continues to) with some of the biggest names in the business, from the jazz and entertainment world.
Rodger has taken his big band around the world to showcase his group at esteemed festivals such as the Montreux Jazz Festival, Monterey Jazz Festival, Manly Jazz Festival, Wichita Jazz Festival, The International Association of Jazz Educators Concert and performances in London, Singapore, Australia, Poland and the USA.
Rodger was winner of the'Tui' for New Zealand Jazz Recording of theYear in 1981, 2000 and 2012 and a finalist in 1984 and 2001.
Arts organisations thrive on the support and loyalty of their community. Become involved in the life of the band.
SUPPORT THE BAND
If you would like to support the band, you can do so via direct deposit.
ACC NAME:
The Wellington Jazz Orchestra Inc.
(Charitable Trust that organises the affiars of the Rodger Fox Big Band)
ACC Number:
06-0501-0188793-000
Please insert donation in the reference section.