More than 10 Years in the Making – Steve Gadd to Visit NZ

One of the greatest jazz musicians of all time is visiting New Zealand for the first time.

Steve Gadd, regarded by many, as the finest jazz percussionist in the world today, will drum up a storm in Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch and Palmerston North in October.

On the 50th anniversary of his first recording, Steve has accepted an invitation from New Zealand jazz supremo, Rodger Fox, to demonstrate his skills here.

“I started extending an invitation to Steve more than 10 years ago and this year he contacted me and said he had this window of opportunity in his busy schedule,” Rodger comments.

Steve Gadd, accompanied by the Rodger Fox Big Band, will perform at The Bruce Mason Centre on Sunday, October 21 at 8pm.

Steve has a resume that boasts sessions and tours with the likes of Chick Corea, Steely Dan and Paul McCartney. He has worked with Simon and Garfunkel, Kate Bush, Joe Cocker, Grover Washington Jnr, The Bee Gees, Jon Bon Jovi and Al Di Meola.

“Gadd has put his indelible stamp on rock, jazz, blues, fusion and pop,” Rodger Fox says. “If there’s a form of music he hasn’t played, chances are it hasn’t yet been invented.”

Rodger points to his recording of legendary drum tracks like Aja, Fifty Ways To Leave Your Lover and Nite Sprite as examples of his distinctive style.

“There’s no drummer alive today who, in some way, has not been affected by Steve Gadd,” Rodger says. “His influence is still very much felt and can be heard in the playing of everyone from Vinnie Colaiuta to Carter Beauford.”

There’s no-one who can get inside a tune and find the pocket quite like the great Steve Gadd, Rodger Fox comments.

He played in Simon and Garfunkel’s famous Concert in Central Park, in Frank Sinatra’s studio album LA Is My Lady and toured extensively with Eric Clapton, Paul Simon and James Taylor.

“I’m delighted Steve has accepted our invitation to play with the Rodger Fox Big Band and will also hold educational workshops in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch,” Rodger says.

Also included in the impressive line-up is saxophonist colossus, James Carter. Down Beat magazine’s Critics and Readers have chosen him for their baritone saxophonist award several years in a row.

Jazz Times adds its voice to his credentials by claiming he’s “cemented his reputation as one of the most adventurous, visionary young saxophonists.”

Steve Gadd with guest artist James Carter and the Rodger Fox Big Band perform at The Bruce Mason Centre on Sunday, October 21, at 8pm.

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