Just before Easter the Kuranui Jazz combo “Kikorangi” travelled to Tauranga to perform in the National Youth Jazz Competition (NYJC).

This trip was two years in the making as the event was cancelled in 2020 due to covid lockdowns, and Kikorangi put in a mammoth effort fundraising to get there, busking, playing gigs, raffling firewood and applying for grants from community organisations. All donations and opportunities were gratefully received!

The NYJC is an event hosted by the Tauranga Jazz Society, and has been happening every year for 43 years, in the week before the main Tauranga Jazz Festival at Easter.

This year had a record turnout, with 55 bands from all over the country competing for awards such as Best Combo, Best Big Band, Best Instrumentalist (Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Flute, Drums, Piano, Bass, Guitar and vocals), and the coveted Best Overall Band award.

Kikorangi set off from Kuranui college on Tuesday 30^th March for their accommodation at sunny Papamoa, accompanied by Mr Marks and Mrs Johnson.

The competition started at 8:30am on Wednesday morning and although not competing until Thursday they wanted to see as much jazz as possible so after breakfast (and an ocean swim for Mr Marks) the band had a quick rehearsal before heading to the Tauranga Baycourt Community and Arts Centre to check out the action! In the evening the band had the opporunity for a public gig at “Our Place” set up by organisers.

The competition is divided into two sections, with combos (smaller groups) performing in the X Space Theatre and big bands (literally, bands with lots of musicians!) taking the stage in the main Baycourt Theatre. They spent the day moving between the theatres, watching a huge range of bands, performing a huge variety of music. The only thing they had in common was a John Coltrane composition called “Mr PC”, which was the test piece set by the competition, that every band had to play. Every possible way it could be played was heard, and some wouldn’t mind never hearing it again!

At the end of the day's performances they moved down to “Our Place” where the competition organisers had chosen several bands to perform to the public - Kikorangi being one of them.

The band got to open the set, and put on a great show in true KC style to an appreciative audience of Tauranga locals and Jazz comp attendees. Then it was back to the accommodation for a fresh fish meal (cooked by Sasha) and a good sleep before their slot in the competition at 9.40am

Competition day started with a warm-up at the house before battling Tauranga rush-hour traffic to the venue. Once there Kikorangi were hustled into the warm-up rooms for a very quick rehearsal, and before even a chance to think about it were called onto the stage, following the poor students of Avondale College, who had to get up even earlier!

After all the hours of preparation, fundraising, practice and rehearsals it was time!

Kikorangi delivered an awesome set, with killer solos from Amon, Rowan, Sasha, Adam and Alex, and the usual KC vibe that we know and love from the whole band.

The performance was followed directly by a feedback session from the judges - acclaimed jazz musicians Ben Wilcox and Roger Mannins - who had lots of really nice things to say, and a few useful pointers for the musicians.

The calibre of musicianship from all the performers was astonishing, some bands would easily give seasoned professionals a run for their money, and all band members learnt from watching and listening to the feedback given to each act by the judges.

The prize-giving ceremony was on Thursday evening, with nearly all the prizes being taken out by the very deserving band “Mel Stevenson” from Wellington High School, a hugely talented group of young musicians, who Kikorangi made a great connection with during the competition.

Although Kikorangi didn’t come away with any prizes, all had an amazing experience, learned a lot from it and made a few resolutions to do more practice!

On the drive home Mr Marks and Mrs Johnson were treated to some stunning kazoo renditions of “Mr PC” and other jazz classics, memories to be treasured for a lifetime!

Kikorangi is made up of:

Rowan Higgins - Tenor Sax

Adam Butler - Alto Sax

Alex Hartley - Alto Sax/Guitar

Sasha Francis-Murray - Drums

Amethyst Sutherland - Bass

Amon Terry - Piano

You can view Kikorangi’s performance - as well as all the other bands - on this link. You will have to check the timetable and  scroll through to find them.

https://www.nationalyouthjazz.org.nz/live-stream/

Professional photographs of Kikorangi from the event:

https://www.2021-national-youth.captureitnz.co.nz/set/67e9d9d4-564e-432e-b78f-a0638d78dd7f

Article added: Tuesday 04 May 2021