Get jazzed up in Warkworth
Words Luke Williamson
If you’ve been to the Vintry or Matakana Farmers’ Market any time in the last ten years, you’ve probably heard local jazz ensemble, Latakana. While the group has gone their separate ways for now, long time member, Chris James, has put together a new combo called Latter Karma.
This group is the basis for a new venture at the Back Bar of the Bridgehouse Tavern, Warkworth – Back Bar Jazz. “We decided to focus on Thursday nights because people seem to be available then and it’s a good warm-up for the weekend,” says Chris. “Playing local bars and social events is great, but the band aspires to establish a jazz club so other musicians can join in.”
Chris is a music teacher at Warkworth Primary School and has his roots firmly in the Warkworth and Matakana communities. “I’m particularly interested in giving young musicians the opportunity to perform live with support from the ‘oldies’. Playing a song well is one thing, but delivering it in front of an audience is another step,” says Chris. “We want to expose them to a jazz club environment, and do what we can to make them look and sound good – make them feel involved.”
Latter Karma offers a variety of Latin and jazz standards, along with a selection of jazz-influenced pop songs by artists such as Sting and Suzanne Vega, and a smattering of R&B favourites. The band’s first 2 nights on 7 September and 5 October attracted around 60 guests and Chris is hoping to build on that for the next dates on Thursday 2 November and Thursday 7 December. And if all goes well, Back Bar Jazz could be on the menu for 2024. “If we get the support, I’d like to introduce a door charge to some gigs so we can bring in some talent from outside our community,” says Chris.
Dinner and drinks are available in the Back Bar for these jazz nights so you can settle in for a great evening of entertainment. Whether you’re a jazz aficionado who appreciates local talent like Latter Karma, or just someone interested in hearing gifted young musicians from our local schools, pencil in the dates and get along to Back Bar Jazz at the Bridgehouse. You can find further information and updates of gigs on the Back Bar Jazz and Latter Karma Facebook pages.