The WJC Roger Sellers Emerging Artist Series was established to remember and pay tribute to much loved and respected drummer, educator, and mentor Roger Sellers. Dedicating his life to the art form of jazz, Roger was a consulate and prolific jazz musician who performed with countless international and local groups. Roger nurtured and mentored thousands of students during his time at the Wellington Polytechnic Jazz Conservatory (which later became the New Zealand School of Music), helping them on their musical journey and making a difference to so many lives.

For this concert, we will feature two outstanding students from NZSM, Ella Dunbar-Wilcox and Seth Boy. Each artist will perform a 45-minute suite of original compositions. 

Ella Dunbar-Wilcox presents a programme of original material and tributes to performers such as Cecile McLorin Salvante and Betty Carter.

The Seth Boy trio is inspired by the great piano trios of old, and by the big band concept of the likes Count Basie and Thad Jones. Much like his compositions and arrangements, Seth’s bass playing is assertive, driving, and involved.

Seth Boy Trio: Seth Boy (b), Leonardo Coghini (p) and James Feekes (d). 
Ella Dunbar-Wilcox Quintet: Ella Dunbar-Wilcox (v),  Ben Stewart (p), Seth Boy (b), James Feekes (d) and Lily Shaw (ts). 
Date and time: 29 August, 8pm
Venue: The Third Eye, 30 Arthur Street, Te Aro
Tickets: General $15, WJC members $15 and Students with ID $10

Descent of the Free’ is Double Bassist/Composer Elsen Price’s 2019 release, exploring texture, harmony and new sounds on the double bass in a 5 movement suite. Released on the ABC/Universal label, the work has been performed in Sydney, Melbourne, Hobart, Tokyo, Perth, and now in NZ in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

‘Elsen’s playing here is stylish, suave and seductive as lyrical lines twist and turn throughout, unfolding with striking urgency’ – Cut common Magazine

‘Elsen Price is an incredibly inspiring musician who seems to have no limits to his abilities’ – Jazz and Beyond

Descent of the Free
Featuring: Elsen Price (b), Chris Beernink (b), Noel Clayton (g) and Mark Lockett (d)
Date: Thur 15 August 2019, 8pm
Venue: The Third Eye, Upstairs at 30 Arthur St. Te Aro
Price: General $20, WJC members and Students with ID $15

A WJC special double feature performance by Myele Manzanza followed by the Martin Greshoff  Quintet

Debuting a new solo drum performance Myele is challenging himself to bring a new level of focus and heightened musicality to the instrument. Drawing from his African roots whilst pushing himself into new improvisational territory, this performance is largely a test to try and push Myele’s development as a drummer, musician and artist. For those interested in new creative music it will be a performance not to be missed.

Martin Greshoff presents his newly formed ‘Electric Quintet,’ with influences from Rock, Jazz Fusion and Classical Music all coalescing in a set of brand new compositions.

Myele Manzanza + Martin Gershoff Quintet
Featuring: Myele Manzanz (d)
Featuring: Martin Greshoff (tb), James Guildford-Smith (t), Jacob Pritchard (g), Seth Boy (b), James Feekes (d)
Date: Thur 1 August 2019, 8pm
Venue: The Third Eye, Upstairs at 30 Arthur St. Te Aro
Price: General $15, WJC members and Students with ID $10