Meet the Maker: Four Hands, Two Pianos, One Big Band

Meet the Makers: Rodger Fox the genius behind Four Hands, Two Pianos, One Big Band

  1. Introduce yourself, your practice and your connection with music?

Hello Rodger Fox here - I have been the leader of the Rodger Fox Big Band for the past 50th….a life in music.

  1. Who or what inspires you in music?

My parents were both professional musicians - it all went from there

  1. What’s the hardest thing about what you do? 

Making a living - its not easy being a professional musician in New Zealand

  1. What local or international musicians have inspired you to be a musician?

I get inspired by all the younger musicians in the NZ music scene…..so much energy that rubs over on me…….and keeps me content to makes happening NOW.

  1. What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? 

Be true to the craft and give back to the art form

  1. What got you started in your music career?

As a professional musician it really started big time when I joined a band call Quincy Conserve…..hell’va band to be in as a young band - “Kicked my ass"

  1. What’s the best music gig you’ve seen this year? 

Several - Chicago, Woody Herman Big Band, the list is really too many

  1. What makes a great album in your opinion?

I have many albums I like but the one that turned me onto the big band path was Woody Herman Herd 1963 - fantastic “live” big band recording

  1. Why is music important to you?

It takes me to so many many places and meeting so many interesting people

  1. Tell us about your upcoming project/show. 

Its a show call Four Hands, Two Pianos, One Big Band.

Featuring two grand pianos on stage with the Rodger Fox Big Band with  Michael Houstoun and Grammy award winning pianist Bill Cunliffe featuring together with the Rodger Fox Big Band.

  1. What can audiences expect from the project/show? 

One great show - with a new reimagined version of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue” for two pianos and Big Band.

  1. What advice would you give to an up and coming NZ musician? 

Listen Listen Listen and be respectful.

  1. What do you love most about performing in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland?

Energy and a great theatre in the Bruce Mason Centre - such a fantastic venue to perform.
 

 

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