Royal New Zealand Air Force Jazz Trio

The Trio will play an exhilarating selection of jazz standards and New Zealand jazz works. You’ll recognise ‘When You’re Smiling’ (Larry Shay, Mark Fisher and Joe Goodwin), ‘West End Blues’ (King Oliver), ‘Potato Head Blues’ (Louis Armstrong) and ‘When it’s Sleepy Time Down South’ (Clarence Muse, Leon Rene, Otis Rene) all of which were big Louis Armstrong numbers. New Zealand works will include ‘Pops’ by Leading Aircraftman Michael Taylor, which he wrote as a tribute to the great Louis Armstrong.

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Jazz Trio are:

Trumpet: Leading Aircraftman Michael Taylor

Bass: Leading Aircraftman Christopher Beernink

Piano: Leading Aircraftman Leonardo Coghini

The Royal New Zealand Air Force Jazz Trio are a part of the wider 65-member RNZAF Band.

A Reserve Force or part-time unit based in Wellington, the band’s core duties are supporting military and government parades, ceremonies and commemorations around the country. The band began its journey in 1937 and spent most of WWII touring the Pacific entertaining troops as a full time unit. After a brief hiatus post-war, the band rebooted into its current form in 1952. Being part time means that they can draw on the wealth of talent in Wellington’s now bustling freelance music scene. Outside of RNZAF duties, many members work with top musical outfits from a diverse range of genres, from the NZSO to Shapeshifter, and everything in between. Being so diverse means that the band has the ability to form a multitude of other ensembles within its ranks and does so regularly. The wide array of instruments include wood wind, brass, percussion, as well as piano, bass and guitar. This means that these smaller groups range from a 17th century baroque wind trio and brass quintets through to a dance covers band and full size Jazz Orchestra.