On tour from New Zealand and featuring Luke Sweeting, this group focuses on an interactive approach to the music, the strong melodies tying together long and open improvisations. Described as “a northern European aesthetic with an authentic Australasian feel” in a recent review, the sounds are drawn from such diverse sources as modern New York jazz and Swedish indie pop. Another described this innovative act during a recent tour to Australia as “a great blowing band with dense heads, occasional free and floating segments, room for solos and some great grooves” (Canberra Jazz). This is music drawn from diverse influences – modern New York jazz meets Swedish indie pop and European free improvised music. Audiences are first drawn in by introspective, timbral improvisations and then set to foot-tapping with danceable beats, songlike melodies and fiery solos.

Antipodes was formed after a chance meeting of some of the members at a jam session in Berlin in 2013. The musical connection became immediately apparent and they began writing and performing original compositions together. Sweeting from Sydney is a pianist known for his indelible work with jazz-improv group the Grey Wing Trio. Saxophonist Baxendale a key force behind the burgeoning Kiwi band The Jac and is one of the most energetic forces coming from the underground Wellington jazz scene. Motueka born guitarist Callum Allardice, a frequent collaborator of Jake’s, joined them in NZ and contributed a number of his own compositions. The band also includes one of Sydney’s most notoriously incredible double bassists Tom Botting and mystical drum powers of Ivan Schmachzem.

Jake Baxendale - saxophone

Callum Allardice - guitar

Luke Sweeting - piano

Tom Botting - double bass

Ivan Schmachzem - drum kit

This is one 'Live in the Attic' not to be missed! 6:30-8:30pm, $15, bar & kitchen open. Before you enjoy the talent of these touring Kiwis, let the Axiom Jazz Trio warm you up in the lounge (just because it's spring doesn't mean its not cold outside). Come along and have a drink in front of the fire and grab something to eat. 4:30-6:30pm, free event - Hotel Blue, the Mountains' own 'House of Jazz'!