Swing 42

Swing 42 are one of New Zealand’s most enduring Gypsy swing groups, providing high energy accompaniment for dancers and presenting dynamic and exciting performances at events such as the Christchurch International Jazz and Blues Festival, The Nelson Jazz Festival, Djangonui, Swingtown Rebels annual events, The BECA Heritage Festival and NZ Music Month. Comprised of some of New Zealand’s most dedicated and respected jazz musicians, Swing 42 interpret compositions by Django Reinhardt as well as choice jazz and latin standards.

Swing 42 normally operate as a quartet, comprising clarinet, two acoustic guitars and double bass. However this can be reduced or expanded for particular occasions. For example, at the 2015 Christchurch International Jazz and Blues festival we were joined they guest violinist Daniel Weltlinger (Berlin/Sydney) and Christchurch guitarist Burke Goff.

Reuben Derrick (clarinet and saxophone) performs throughout New Zealand and Australia and has shared the stage with Whirimako Black, Delaney Davidson, Richard Nunns, James Morrison, Mike Nock, Leigh Jackson, Naomi Ferguson, Jennine Bailey and many other top performers. In 2014 he graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition. In 2015 he was an artist-in-residence at Music Omi in New York.

Bob Heinz (guitar) teaches jazz guitar on the Ara MusicArts Programme (formerly Christchurch Jazz School). He has had a long interest in the “Gypsy Swing” style of music. Bob’s long career in music has seen him as a regular performer with the NZ and Christchurch Symphony Orchestras, and with visiting musicians such as James Morrison, Jon Dankworth and Don Rader

Keith Petch (guitar) has been playing gypsy jazz throughout NZ since the 80’s and continues to explore this discipline with a passion. During recent years he has spent a lot of his time in Spain performing with European musicians.

Michael Kime (double bass) has played with many of New Zealand’s finest musicians in Jazz, Classical and Free Improvisation settings. Michael is a founding member of Christchurch’s celebrated Silencio Ensemble, contributing as a composer and holding the Double Bass chair. Michael has performed in Concert halls and venues in America, Japan and Dubai.