Believe it or not, jazz has been jiving in Auckland for some time now. Back in 1918, soldiers returning from war introduced New Zealand’s capital to the genre’s soulful sounds and rhythms. Now, over 100 years later, ‘We call it Jazz’ is treating Auckland to an electrifying live music show that celebrates the genre’s enduring legacy. Packed with groovy improvisations as well as jazz classics by Sinatra, Fitzgerald and more, the evening journeys through the golden ages of jazz, paying tribute to stars from NOLA and beyond.
On selected dates over the coming months, jazz cats will be heading to The Hollywood Avondale to hear some of jazz’s most iconic hits comes to life, from “When The Saints Go Marching In” to “Ain’t Misbehavin” and many more. Tickets are on sale now but spaces are limited, so make sure you get yours today!
What is We call it Jazz?
More than just a concert, this 60-minute spectacle captures the essence of jazz in its most authentic form—a vibrant, living art that thrives on spontaneity. Set against a dimly lit stage reminiscent of a 1920s New Orleans bar, complete with a street lamp providing atmospheric illumination, the show features expert musicians performing timeless classics like “Georgia On My Mind” by the Preservation Hall Jazz Band and Louis Prima’s energetic “Sing Sing Sing.”
Jazz, its story and the show
The story of jazz is inseparable from the story of America itself—born in the late 19th and early 20th centuries from the creative resilience of African-American communities in New Orleans. This revolutionary genre emerged from the fusion of African rhythmic traditions with European harmonic structures, building upon the foundations of blues and ragtime to create something entirely new.
“We call it Jazz” honours this legacy through a thoughtfully structured musical journey that begins with New Orleans classics featuring vocalists on Louis Armstrong’s optimistic “On The Sunny Side Of The Street,” before transitioning to sophisticated instrumental improvisations following tracks by the likes of Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. The final segment showcases the Great American Songbook through iconic vocal interpretations, including Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon” and Oscar Peterson’s elegant take on “Night And Day.”
Jazz lovers and jazz newbies alike will come together at ‘We call it Jazz’ in Auckland. In other words, whether you’re a jazz expert or have never been to a jazz show before, there’s something for everyone at this groovy NOLA-inspired show. With famous jazz tunes performed alongside soulful improvisations, the unforgettable 60-minute concert pays homage to the history and legacy of authentic jazz.