Charmaine Ford
With a career still in its infancy, New Zealand-born piano virtuoso and composer Charmaine Ford has accomplished more than most musicians do in a lifetime.
Ford has blazed a trail of awards confirming she is indeed one of New Zealand’s most distinguished jazz musicians. She has released two self-penned albums, which showcase her extraordinary talent. Her sophomore release, ‘Busy Silence’, was awarded ‘Best Jazz Album 2007’ at the New Zealand Music Awards. Ford is the first female instrumentalist to receive this accolade. Her debut album ‘Blues for Guppy’ was also a finalist in the same category in 2004.
Charmaine performs with utter conviction and already has a distinctive sound, comprised of lyrical melodies synergized with idiosyncratic rhythmic diversity.
The Tauranga International Jazz Festival has commissioned Charmaine to write a new work, which will be premiered at her headline concert, Easter 2009. This is the first work to be commissioned in the 47-year history of the Festival.
Charmaine has played piano professionally since her mid teens and has been composing since the age of six. At age 19, she was awarded a Travel Grant Scholarship from the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) to study in London. There, Charmaine spent three months learning from two of England's top jazz educators, Nikki Iles and Pete Churchill, while also taking lessons from one of the world’s leading classical pianists, (the late) Professor Yonty Soloman
Tags
January 29, 2009
Charmaine Ford Trio @ Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga On April 11
Bay Of Plenty Times, NZ
Ford pens material which is immediately appealing
The New Zealand Herald, NZ
Charmaine Ford is one of New Zealand's most distinguished contemporary jazz pianists
APRA
One of New Zealand's true piano masters
Wellington International Jazz Festival, NZ
Charmaine Ford has established herself as one of New Zealand's most innovative and fearless voices in jazz
Tauranga International Jazz Festival, NZ
Charmaine Ford has sealed her reputation as one of New Zealand's leading jazz pianists
Christchurch International Jazz Festival, NZ
Charmaine Ford has a maturity of jazz expression that belies such youth
Primary Instrument
Piano
Willing to teach
Advanced only
Credentials/Background
Bachelor Of Music (Jazz)
Dip.ABRSM (London)
Jazz Piano, Improvisation, Composition, and Musicianship
Masterclasses