Artist description Chris White and Aaron Nevezie formed the award-winning quartet in 1997, as a vehicle to play original compositions and jazz standards in a sympathetic and exciting setting.

Music Style Jazz

Musical Influences Pat Methany, Joe Lovano, Mark Turner, Kurt Rosenwinkle, George Garzone

Similar Artists John Scofield, Jerry Bergonzi, Joshua Redman

Artist History The band quickly made a name for itself around Auckland playing regularly at well-known jazz venues, and self promoted concerts.The group’s first album won the 1998 New Zealand Music Awards ‘Best Jazz Album’ and was reviewed in the New Zealand Herald as 4/5 star album.The leaders of the group have both established themselves as highly regarded members of the Auckland jazz scene and have recently been playing in London and New York. Their work with various groups has appeared on a number of local albums and has meant live performances throughout New Zealand.

Group Members Aaron Nevezie: Aaron is just back from a year playing and studying in New York. While on a scholarship to the New School University he was involved in much of the cutting edge music that New York City has to offer. His playing was last heard in New Zealand with his own trio and quartet, and has been featured at the Montana Wines Winter Jazz Series, Auckland City ‘Music in Parks’ summer series, the Bay of Islands Jazz Festival, the London Bar and many other jazz venues.One of the busiest jazz guitarists in Auckland, Aaron has worked with almost everyone, including the Rodger Fox Big Band, Blue Train, Kim Patterson Group, Brian Smith Quartet, Kevin Field Quartet, Organic, Straight Up, Spargo, the George Chisholm Big Band, 1996 & 1997 Youth Jazz Orchestras, and more. He has performed throughout New Zealand and has toured to the USA to perform in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Chicago.He can be heard on the most recent Blue Train CD ‘Never You Mind’, on the Hammond Organ trio album ‘Living Room’ by Organic, the Manifesto Jazz Sampler CD, and the Rodger Fox Big Band ‘Something Juicy’ album.Chris White: Chris’ reputation as an exciting young tenor saxophonist attests to his extensive involvement in the Auckland jazz scene. Until recently lead tenor in the Rodger Fox Big Band, Chris has led his own groups Opus de Funk and the Four Brothers Saxophone Quartet, and has been featured with international artists such as Arturo Sandoval, Ray Charles, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Dave Weckl. In the past Chris has performed at the International Association of Jazz Educators, Chicago 1997; the Wichita Jazz Festival, Kansas 1994; the Manly Jazz Festival, Sydney Australia 1995; the Wellington International Festival of the Arts, and on two occasions, the Bay of Islands Jazz Festival. A member of the 1996 & 1997 NZ Youth Jazz Orchestras, Chris also has taught saxophone and clarinet at some of Auckland’s top private schools.Presently based in London, Chris works as a freelance musician playing for and collaborating with a wide range of groups in the UK ranging from rock to experimental jazz. In London, he has been featured under his own name at the Ealing and Medway Jazz Festivals and the Barbican Freestage Jazz Season, as well as playing regularly in London's many live music venues.

Instruments Tenor Saxophone, Guitar, Acoustic Bass, Drums

Press Reviews "...adds up to a local jazz album which stands as equal alongside the imported stuff." ****Graham Reid, The New Zealand Herald.

Location Auckland, Auckland - New Zealand

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