Chamber Music NZ | Lucien Johnson Quartet

Lucien Johnson | tenor saxophone
Jonathan Crayford | piano
Tom Callwood | double bass
Cory Champion | drums

Programme:
A set of original compositions from Lucien’s 2017 album West of the Sun and new material from his upcoming album Kairangi, complemented by interpretations of traditional waiata.

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Lucien Johnson is an award winning musician who has been described as “a saxophonist and composer of rare excellence and mettle” (Wellington Jazz Festival), as “a miraculous musician” (Radio NZ) and as “a composer and arranger of supreme skill” (Dominion Post). He is joined in this quartet by some of New Zealand’s finest musicians: celebrated pianist Jonathan Crayford; and Tom Callwood, eminent double bassist for groups such as The Phoenix Foundation and Little Bushman; and rising star Cory Champion on the drums.

Lucien’s compositions reflective of some of the places that he has lived in and travelled to: France, Haiti, Ethiopia and of course, some reflections on our own wonderful country and musical heritage. Included in the set are two traditional waiata which Lucien will reinterpret. As a recent recipient of the Harriet Friedlander Residency he will be returning from New York for the tour and looks forward to seeing how this experience will influence the music.

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