June Hayes Special Jazz Performance - House Concert

June Hayes:

Now living in Northland, well-known and popular jazz vocalist, former big band vocalist, and singer-songwriter June Hayes, returns to Auckland to present a special jazz performance 'house concert' at WorkShop 26, Blockhouse Bay.

Renown for her sultry jazz sound and ability to really connect through song with her audiences, June will blend her own special treatment of classic jazz tunes with some 'not exactly jazz' originals from her 'Journey for the Return Home' album, and the 2020 released extended play album, 'Whenua, Aroha, Marama' during this 2 hour concert (interval included) experience.

June's debut album To Whom It May Concern released in 2001 and featuring her first original jazz composition Take Hold Of My Soul, lead to an invitation to perform at the 2002 Brecon International Jazz Festival in Wales performing alongside Martin Drew - drummer for legendary pianist Oscar Peterson, and bassist Andy Kleindert of Ronnie Scott’s in London.
The 2013 release of June’s second ‘all originals’ album Journey for the Return Home earned her the reputation for being a ‘powerfully penned lyricist’ (NZ Musician magazine). June’s EP Whenua, Aroha, Marama released soon after lockdown 2020, marked the completion of a seven year journey of creating and recording a select number of digitally orchestrated music that some say are ‘the stuff of movies’.

A prolific author of childrens books with music written and sung in Te Reo Māori and English, June’s latest title There’s a Bear in the Window, a light-hearted look at how families coped during Covid-19 lockdown through the eyes of a bear, is tipped to join the top-seller ranks alongside some of her other titles.

Rhythm Section:

Accompanying June and featuring in solos throughout the concert is a top-of-the-line rhythm section including Ben Fernandez - keyboard, Nick Taylor - bass guitar, and Paul Naveen - drums

Ben Fernandez - Pianist
Ben Fernandez is a classically trained jazz pianist, composer and arranger based in Auckland. He has a Masters Degree in Music majoring in jazz performance from the University of Auckland. He also has degrees in Physics, Computer Science and Business Management. Ben has performed at concerts and events in over 25 countries and is an award-winning composer for jingles, TV shows and movies. His music is available on itunes, Spotify, Amplifier, GooglePlay, etc. Ben is also an educator and conducts regular workshops on improvisation in New Zealand and overseas.

Nick Taylor – Bass Guitar
Having toured extensively around New Zealand and Australia, Nick Taylor has worked on cruise ships all around the world, including the Caribbean, Alaska, the Mediterranean and South Pacific. In 2017 Nick performed on the Smooth Jazz Cruise, Blue Note at Sea and the Soultrain Cruise, along with playing a six month contract at a five star hotel in Dubai, and playing at the Royal Mougans Golf Resort in the South of France. More recently Nick has had the opportunity of working and recording with founding member George ‘Funky’ Brown from Kool and the Gang.

Paul Naveen – Drums
Paul Naveen is a widely experienced itinerant musician performing in concerts and festivals with multiple bands all around New Zealand. He is a versatile musician and plays a variety of musical styles and genres. Paul is known for his musical sensitivity and technique. He studied Jazz Performance (Drum set major) at the New Zealand School of Music. In his other life, Paul is a behavioural scientist and intern psychologist at the University of Auckland. Paul enjoys combining a mixed schedule of musical performance, clinical work and scientific research.