About AJO
The Auckland Jazz Orchestra Exists to Play original and contemporary jazz by New Zealand composers And arrangers, And To foster and incubate the growing talent of Auckland's musicians
About AJO
The Auckland Jazz Orchestra Exists to Play original and contemporary jazz by New Zealand composers And arrangers, And To foster and incubate the growing talent of Auckland's musicians
About the Auckland Jazz Orchestra
Formed in 2009, the Auckland Jazz Orchestra has the unique mission of playing solely New Zealand composed or arranged music, in a contemporary jazz style.
Comprised of professional musicians and talented graduates, the band is a co-operative led by two founding members, musical director Tim Atkinson, and band leader Mike Booth.
Original & Contemporary Jazz
The Auckland Jazz Orchestra's "book" consists solely of New Zealand compositions and arrangements by locals. We have recorded two albums of original music: Darkly Dreaming, released 2015, and Bloom in 2017.
Collaborations with top NZ musicians
We frequently collaborate with guest composers, soloists and vocalists: including Nathan Haines, Wayne Senior, Caitlin Smith, Roger Manins, Annie Crummer, Esther Stephens, Bella Kalolo, Aaradhna, Tama Waipara, Gai Bryant, Glenn Wagstaff, and more.
Performance Highlights
- RESPECT show in Auckland Festival
- Auckland Festival Garden (2015, 2016)
- Tauranga Jazz Festival (Ellingtonia)
- Music in Parks
- Auckland Jazz Festival
- Vodafone Music Awards
- Numerous performances at jazz clubs around NZ
Our People
Our People
Auckland Jazz Orchestra
Band Leader
Mike Booth
Trumpets
Mike Booth
Jo Spiers
Oliver Furneaux
Matthew Verill
Trombones
Mike Young
Glenn Bartlett
Jono Tan
Steve Taylor
Saxophones
Andrew Hall - alto
Joel Griffin - alto
David Edmundson - tenor
Ben McNicoll - tenor
Andrew Baker - baritone
Rhythm Section
Ant Hunt - piano
Wil Goodinson - bass
Ben Frater - drums
Guest conductors per project.
Past performers
We would like to thank all past members of the Auckland Jazz Orchestra, and regular fill-in players including:
Chris Nielson
Darryl
Ross Hurley
Steve Sheriff
Callum Passells
Andrew Baker
Isaac Crandall-Tanner
Cameron Sangster - drums
Matthew Bray - guitar
Peter Koopman Jr - guitar
Matthew Steele - piano
Andrea Groenewald - guitar