Be Transported

Imagine stepping back in time to a speak easy club. A smoky, dimly lit room where the anticipation is electric but the vibe is laid-back and relaxed. . .

From the stage a jazz swing and blues band begins to play, their instruments blending seamlessly in a harmonious symphony of sound. The rhythm section, with its upright bass and snare drums, lays down a groove that’s impossible to resist, while the saxophone punctuates the air with soulful notes.

At. the forefront stands a captivating female singer, her voice rich and velvety, weaving tales of heartache, joy, and everything in between. Her vocal prowess brings both swing and blues to life, effortlessly moving from sultry, slow blues ballads to energetic, foot-tapping swing numbers.

This band doesn’t just play music; they create an experience that transports the audience to another era, where the essence of jazz and blues reigns supreme.

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Reviews

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This is a note of thanks for your significant contributions to our September Jazz in Martinborough event.  We reckon, and wider feedback supports this view, that JIM 2025 was not only a successful music experience but also another valued contribution to our community.   JAZZ IN MARTINBOROUGH

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It was a great pleasure to welcome members to our first gig of 2026, and what a gig it was! April Phillips and her ‘April’s Fools’
presented a wonderful selection of jazz standards that had the audience spellbound. Numbers ranged from the early 1920s (I can’t give you anything but Love) through to the bossa era with Boy from Ipanema’, plus Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me to the Moon, Etta James’ At Last, and one of Nina Simone’s biggest hits, My Baby Just Cares for Me. It would be unfair to pick out a particular favourite as every number was probably a favourite with someone in the audience. April’s voice is perfectly suited to presenting these standards; she has both delicacy and power when needed. Zac Dikvert joined April on a couple of numbers for a vocal duo (Making Whoopee and Quando Quando Quando) and also gave us a solo number, Devil May Care. In addition to the gorgeous singing, the musicianship of the band was stunning. We had Zac Dikvert on guitar, Russell Henderson (saxophones), Miles Crayford (piano), Greg Crayford (drums) and Rory Macartney (bass). Each shone with tasteful solos and nuanced accompaniment. It was consummate performance and no doubt the band will be invited back to the club to play for us again in future. WELLINGTON JAZZ CLUB