Pleasure Point is a high-quality ensemble playing jazz, funk and Latin standards. The band is led by Greg Crayford on drums, second generation of the well-known Crayford jazz family. The trio version features the smooth sultry vocals of pianist/singer Jessica Murphy and bassist, Paul Mouncey.
The band’s history goes back to 2003 when Santa Cruz-based pianist, Steve Abrams, arrived for a short stay from the Pleasure Point peninsula in California. In his three weeks in Wellington the seed for the band’s tight repertoire was sown and is continuing to grow today.
In 2010 the band was extended to a sextet to play at national jazz festivals, including Nelson, Tauranga, Waiheke and gigs all over the country.
Piano/Vocals – Jess Murphy
This Wellington newcomer began studying classical piano when she was six years old. She is a 2008 graduate of the Christchurch School of Jazz holding a B Mus (perf) and DipTchg. Jess has performed solo and in bands widely across the Nelson region at assorted festivals, galas, weddings, art exhibitions, VIP lounges and private parties. She has played with a variety of talented Wellington and Nelson musicians, most notably with 'The Jessica Murphy Trio’ featuring Nelson’s most renowned jazz musicians. This band opened the 2010 Woollaston Jazz and Blues Festival Launch Gala Dinner and gigged actively throughout the festival. Jessica teaches beginner to advanced piano at the Wellington High School Community Education Centre, is a group fitness instructor, and secondary teacher of Music.
Bass Guitar – Paul Mouncey
Paul has been performing in the Wellington scene for many years most notably with original rock/funk band OdESSA. He has also worked extensively in the local jazz scene as well as playing on cruise ships touring the Mediterranean and Caribbean. His high level skills and easy working manner make him one of the most in-demand bass players around.
Drums – Greg Crayford
From a high-profile musical family, Greg has been performing for more than twenty years as a jazz/show/rock musician with some of the best musicians around including Rodger Fox, Colin Hemmingsen, Johnny Lippiett, Vaughn Roberts, Anita Schwabe, Denys Mason, Lance Su’a, Jonathan Crayford and many, many others. International acts include The Drifters, The Coasters, Mike Brignola, Bruce Paulson and national acts: Gray Bartlett, Brendan Dugan, Jodi Vaughan, Tony Williams. Greg’s involvement in musical theatre as musical director, drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, percussionist have included Jesus Christ Superstar, Footloose, West Side Story and Joseph and The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. He was a member of long-running London-based kapahaka group, Ngāti Rānana, as composer, guitarist and performer. Greg is Head of Music at Rongotai College.
