Artist description Exciting,eclectic, original, proffesional jazz quintet from bebop and blues to acid-jazz, shows the versatility of Key and his experienced group and how difficult it is to pigeonhole them into one particular jazz mood. Key's driving bluesy piano playing and swinging bebop tunes are reminiscent of the wonderful jazz of the late 50's. One Step Ahead of the Blues introduces the pensive singing of Barbara Cartwright and the band also features talented saxophonist Steve Sherriff.Seeing is Believing for example finds Cartwright in a Latin swing mode with a positive message re-inforced by Key's bouncy piano. Resaka de Corona keeps us in a toe-tapping Latin groove with an instrument driven along by Sherriff's sharp sax playing. Then it's into the 90's for Corner Adorner with Berryman's funky drumming, and Key's synthesiser. Young jazz fans demand a dancing beat and funky grooves so Key says this is his dedication to that acid-jazz movement, noting with a smile that back in the 70's similar sounding jazz had a different name. A 60's feel hangs around Too Late for Love, a song about a one-night stand. The band stretches out and Steve Sherriff gets a chance to solo with his soprano Saxophone.

Music Style Jazz / Blues / Easy Listening

Musical Influences Billie Holiday / Riki Lee Jones / Herbie Hancock

Similar Artists Billie Holiday / Riki Lee Jones / Herbie Hancock

Artist History Formed in 1991 this quintet has produced 2 great albums, that have been broadcast internationally.Extensive touring has built a loyal following in the antipodies with appearances at festivals and jazz clubs on a regular basis. They are currently working on a third album to be released at the beginning of 2001.

Group Members John Key Piano/keyboardsBarbara Cartwright VocalsSteve Sherriff Tenor/Soprano SaxPeter Scott Acoustic /Electric BassJohn Berryman Drums

Instruments Piano,Saxophones,Vocals,Bass,Drums.

Albums Strange Fruit,Eavesdropping

Press Reviews "Classy playing on a classy bunch of tunes" - Listener"If you're looking for an all-original local album, look no further than Eavesdropping" - Pavement"The real standout is Key's Warsaw 5am, a seven minute journey from somnolent sax at dawn through bass and piano carrying the energy levels up to arrive at a rush hour and Sherriff's brusque tenor. It's terrific" - New Zealand Herald

Location Auckland, Auckland - New Zealand

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