From the Bandstand

ISBN 978-0-9941349-0-5

Plenty has been written about Kiwi classical and pop musicians, but a significant area of our musical heritage has been largely ignored. This is the sometimes interchangeable world of jazz and dance band musicians.  Wellington pianist, trumpet player and composer Kevin Clark is one of New Zealand’s top concert and recording jazz musicians, who has also played more than his share of music for dancers and drinkers. In From the Bandstand he describes many of his experiences – polite and not so polite and often hilarious. He chronicles cultural shifts in our social history including the end of the six o’clock swill, the rise and fall of booze barns and dine & dance, and the decline of community hall ‘socials’ with their kegs of beer, plates of savs and raffle draws. Much of the book describes music making in Wellington, where Clark is still active. He also has a national profile, with award-winning recordings, concert and TV appearances and many recordings for Radio NZ National. Kevin Clark is also an accomplished cartoonist and has illustrated 14 of the zanier events described in this book. Ngaio Press - $19.95• softcover • 113 pages • comprehensive index Available Unity Books, Wellington and Paper Plus, Porirua