Russell Henderson Quintet Plays Hard Bop

Russell Henderson Quintet Plays Hard Bop featuring the silky tones of saxophonist, Russell Henderson.

This concert is all about paying tribute to one of the greatest eras of music – hard bop. Although totally uncompromising, the classic tunes of this period of 1950s and 1960s jazz are energetic, groovy, and catchy as. Hear familiar favourites as well as lesser-known bangers by Art Blakey, Cannonball Adderley Quintet, Wayne Shorter, and a couple of originals.

Originally from Scotland, Russell gained many years of performance experience in the UK jazz and session scenes before relocating to Aotearoa, completing a PhD in composition at New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī, Victoria University of Wellington in 2023. Russell’s performance experience includes playing lead alto on award-winning albums by Jamil Sheriff and the Tommy Evans Orchestra, as well as working with renowned producer Andy Wright (Simply Red, Jeff Beck, Imelda May), supplying horn section arrangements and solos for albums with major label distribution. Live performances have ranged from appearances at the smallest clubs to the legendary Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival.

Alongside Russell, you’ll hear some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians:

Russell Henderson – saxophones
Oscar Lavën – trumpet
Dayle Jellyman – piano
Rory Macartney – double Bass
Greg Crayford – drums