Nathan Haines celebrates 'Shift Left' with the original Shift Left band for one South Island show only.
Originally released in 1994, the album is a subtle, astute meltdown of jazz and hip-hop by the preternaturally mature Haines and his fellow musicians whose diverse backgrounds came into play across the 11 originals. The album was released by Verve Records in the UK in 1995 and remains New Zealand's biggest selling jazz album, while also forming the blueprint for Nathan's future releases and his international career path.
"To say Shift Left was a landmark in New Zealand music is an understatement," says Simon Grigg (who released the NZ edition on his Huh! Label), "but it didn't arrive out of the blue. The genesis came with the new generation, bands like The Jazz Committee and Freebass, both featuring the precocious, hugely talented saxophonist Nathan Haines and his equally talented guitarist brother Joel.
"What made Nathan and these players unique was the way they fused hip-hop and Urban Pasifika with experimental improvised jazz, often live at Cause Celebre in intense sessions that would sometimes not start until 1am and last until dawn."
Those sessions ultimately led to the formation of the Shift Left band, comprising some of the most virtuoso performers to ever join together both in the studio and on stage in New Zealand. This special evening sees the original Shift Left band reunited after 25 years featuring Nathan's brother Joel Haines on guitar, keyboardist Kevin Field, New York based bassist Richard Hammond, drummer Mickey Ututaonga, Puerto-Rican born percussionist Miguel Fuentes (ex Grover Washington band) and guest Hammond organ player Alan Brown. It really will be a very very special night!
Studiobox
