WJO USA Tour! By Alexis French

Who we are:

Established in 2009, Rodger Fox's Wellington Jazz Orchestra is made up of some of New Zealand's finest jazz talent; both established artists and up-and-comers swell the ranks of what is arguably New Zealand's finest Big-band. 

Personnel: Music Director: Rodger Fox; Trumpets: Alexis French (L), Sebastian Soldzrynski (L), Ben Hunt, Chris Selley; Saxes: Alex Nyman (L), Colin Hemmingsen, Hayden Hockly, Mike Isaacs, Andre Paris; Trombones: Chris Fox (L), Damian Forlong, Kurt Gibson, Dean Scott; Rhythm: Anita Schwabe (Piano), Nick Granville (Guitar), Nick Tipping (Bass), Lance Philip (Drums)

What we do:

2012 has been a big year for the band so far. Building on the critical success of their Tui award-winning album “Journey Home”, the band has toured with Grammy award winner Kurt Elling, Grammy nominee and Jazz royalty Patti Austin, as well as the marvelous Eric Marienthal. Rounding out the programme for the year will be concerts with Bob Mintzer, Mike Stern, Bill Reichenbach, and Steve Smith.  

Our Goal:

In addition to playing these concerts, Rodger and the band have set themselves the impressive goal of recording in the hallowed halls of Capitol Studios in Los Angeles. Capitol Studios is the birthplace of the some finest albums in recorded music history. From Frank Sinatra to Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald to Diana Krall, Harry Connick Jr. to Everclear and the GooGoo Dolls... With your help, we can add Rodger Fox's Wellington Jazz Orchestra and “The Capitol Sessions” to this impressive lineup!

What we need and how YOU can help:

Finding the funds to take twenty people to the United States for two weeks to record and perform is a big task; the overall bill comes in at nearly $85,000. The band have already raised nearly $60,000 over the last 12 months for this project through concerts, workshops, and tours, as well as their own personal contributions. With only 7 weeks to go, they urgently need help finding the last $25,000. This is where you come in! For as little as $15, you can be part of this mammoth effort to send 20 talented and hard-working musicians to the birthplace of Jazz.