Jazz Tui goes to Wellington pianist

Jazz Tui goes to Wellington pianist

The winner of the Jazz Tui for 2007 is no stranger to musical glory.

Capital city-based pianist Charmaine Ford’s ‘Busy Silence’ has tonight been named the New Zealand Music Awards Best Jazz Album of the Year at the Wellington International Jazz Festival.

Ford is a former finalist in the category at the 2004 awards for her debut album ‘Blues for Guppy’. She also played piano on the 2006 Tui winning jazz album, Vaughan Roberts’ ‘Grrrreat Stuff’.

And her connection with the music awards doesn’t stop there - in 2005 Ford had 12 months individual tuition from 2007 Classical Music Tui winner John Psathas.

Today only 27 years of age, Charmaine Ford was born in Tauranga and started her piano training at age six. After moving to Auckland two years later she became heavily involved in jazz ensembles at Rangitoto College both as a player and a leader.

She has won numerous national Jazz awards since she started gigging professionally at age 16. In 1999 Charmaine studied in London on a Royal Schools of Music scholarship. Charmaine has performed and toured throughout New Zealand and Australia and has been selected as pianist for the New Zealand Youth Jazz Orchestra on four occasions.

‘Busy Silence’ was released in December 2006. The self-penned album has been described as highlighting Ford’s distinctive style as a composer, arranger and producer as well as capturing her skills as an improviser.

New Zealand Music Awards spokesperson Campbell Smith describes Ford’s win as “thoroughly deserved recognition of a dedicated and talented jazz musician”.

“For someone still so young, Charmaine’s achievements in the genre are already almost legendary. She is a most worthy recipient of the Jazz Tui for 2007.”

Charmaine’s win will be acknowledged at the New Zealand Music Awards 2008.

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