Turner Centre Jazz Club: ViVa Jazz

We welcome the return of ‘ViVa Jazz’.

Back by popular demand we present ViVa Jazz with their very cool, smooth and soulful sound led by saxophonist Miles Tremlett, and highly experienced, creative pianist, Darren Smith

Matt Hennessy, Drums/Percussion; Matt well known to us all, has gigged and recorded with many New Zealand jazz and blues groups. Originally from USA, Matt has lived in New Zealand for the past 30 years. He is an ex-Northlander now based on Auckland’s North Shore.

Some may remember Matt in the early days of the Bay of Islands Jazz Fest playing with Mike Nettmann, Kokomo, Roy Philips (The Peddlers), Red Wilson, Smokestack, ViVa Jazz, and his backing of many other international artists.

He has played around Northland with, Lounge Sweet and About Time Jazz Trio, and also performs with The John Leigh Calder Trio. His roots are in St Louis – playing all genres from his most loved modern jazz to his first influences, the three B’s: Bach, Brubeck, and Beatles. He is most at home with jazz, funk, fusion, rock, and blues. This man has rhythm!

Miles Tremlett, Saxophone/Flute: Miles, is a very versatile, soulful and experienced performer, whose musicality has seen him play many genres of music, from classical music, through soul, to jazz. This seasoned musician has played in various bands throughout the Waikato and Bay of Plenty and more recently Auckland in ViVa Jazz Quartet and the Auckland Saxophone Quartet. Other line-ups include, Miles Ahead, Sax Appeal and he was for a time leader of the Tauranga Big Band. Miles is a lifetime member of the Bay of Islands Jazz and Blues Festival, having played at the festival many times.

Darren Smith, Piano; Darren has a long association with the Jazz scene and with Miles and Dean Tremlett having worked together in bands and been friends for over 30 years. From Musical Director of Tauranga’s Big Band in the 80’s to professional piano and Keyboard demonstrator for international brands Yamaha and Technics.

Darren set up one of New Zealand’s largest contemporary keyboard schools in the late 80’s with over 3000 students and is still involved in the music education scene today, running teacher clinics on contemporary music performance.

Dean Tremlett, Bass; This talented, stylish and versatile musician plays 5 string electric and upright basses. Dean’s musical career has included the Bay of Plenty Big Band, the NZ Symphonic Youth Orchestra.

Over the years he has played in jazz, rock, blues and originals bands, plus as a chart reading bass player in Pit Orchestras of the Bay of Plenty and Auckland. Dean has also been a key member of Miles Ahead and presently with his father performs in, The ViVa Jazz Quartet.

ViVa Jazz will take listeners of fine music through Classic Jazz standards, Latin beats, Soul grooves and they’ll get a little funky too.