Pieces of Blue/Pieces of Peace

Inspired by the concept of Compassion (seemingly in short supply nowadays) pianist, artist and composer, Ian Logan, is joined again this year for this Wellington Jazz Festival performance by dynamic bassist Alistair Mcleod. The second half will be “Pieces of Peace” - conveying the near universal yearning for harmony and a change in consciousness felt so strongly by so many musicians. Alongside well-known music by Bill Evans and Horace Silver will be a mix of originals and covers that draw on not only jazz but also classical and the European singer-songwriter tradition. It includes a premiere of a song tribute to the German expressionist artist Kathe Kollwitz, presented with music by Ian Logan and a tableaux by Jill Allan, whose career spanned many years as a dancer in both Australia and New Zealand. Here she will be evoking the elderly Kathe Kollwitz reflecting upon life and the futility of war.

They have taken some of their inspiration from Charlie Haden with his eclectic sensibility as well as drawing on Haden's term “the adagio man” to describe composers who revel in the depth of slower music.

The night opens with a tribute to the blues in all its glorious variety: gutsy and sophisticated, melancholy and joyous.

In between the two sets will be a treat of light refreshments and an art exhibition to counterpoint the music. Refreshments are included although a koha to further the outreach work of IBPC in the south Wellington community is appreciated.

The venue, Island Bay Presbyterian Church (IBPC) has long had a tradition of hosting creative events. Some very limited parking is available next to the church or on local streets and the venue itself is wheelchair accessible.