About
Subject2change is a group of six musicians from diverse musical backgrounds all resident in Dunedin, New Zealand. Playing their own brand of jazz-fusion, each member of the group brings a different set of influences and experiences to the music they create. They have all worked in different sectors of the music industry, performing alongside some of the top names in jazz, rock, classical and world music internationally. They bring this experience to subject2change, a title which reflects the group?s philosophy of playing music at the edge and redefining the scope of jazz as we know it.Subject2change also play covers for corporate and private functions (all enquiries welcome).
In New Zealand, subject2change have performed alongside artists including Frank Gibson, Anika Moa, The Verlaines, The Chills, and provided the sonic platform for the launch of Dunedin?s Dr Glam in 2007. Subject2change are becoming recognised for their cutting edge contribution to New Zealand music:
?What I hear most in Subject2change is the sense of authority in, and ownership of their artistic output. One moment they sound finely honed and polished, as adamant as granite, then the next rather cheeky and iconoclastic?? - Graeme Downes, The Verlaines
?Performing with subject2change is a total pleasure because no-one else on this island can touch their out-of-this-world groove-based improvisational skills?? - Dr Glam
??a band fully on top of a musical mission that combined the most generous stylistic breadth with substance and conviction across the whole range, and a joyful geniality about the possibilities of music.? - Bruce Johnson, Australian Jazz legend
?Engaging Latin fusion music which embodies a wide range of different musical backgrounds, straight out of Dunedin, New Zealand.? - Tony Mitchell, popular music scholar, Sydney
??jazz-fusion supergroup subject2change?aren?t afraid of mashing a little rock, funk and reggae into the Latin-based mix.? - Jeff Harwood, The Otago Daily Times
Subject2change are:
Dan Bendrups (trombone)
Australian ethnographer, academic, and freelance trombonist Dan Bendrups emigrated to New Zealand in 2004 to take up an appointment in music at the University of Otago. His background spans classical to commercial music scenes, and he has performed in contexts from Renaissance ensembles to salsa bands across three continents. His time conducting music research in Latin America and the Pacific has flavoured his musical tastes, and his trombone playing is inspired by the influence of salsa legend Willie Col?n and contemporary stars such as Jimmi Bosch. Dan also likes to push his improvisation into electronic music synthesis with various sound effect units plugged in to the trombone.
Rob Burns (basses)
English bassist Robert Burns was a highly sought after session musician in the UK before emigrating to New Zealand in 2001. He began his career in the early 1970s backing major American soul artists such as Sam and Dave and Isaac Hayes. In the 1980s, Rob played on many television and film soundtracks (including Mr. Bean, Blackadder and Red Dwarf) and toured with Eric Burdon (of The Animals). Rob?s jazz-rock pedigree is grounded in performances and recordings alongside English rock greats including Pete Townsend, Dave Gilmour and Jon Lord, and tours and recordings with Ian Carr and Zoot Money. He has been active as an educator internationally, leading in the development and implementation of popular music courses at Thames Valley University and the Guitar Institute (UK), and the University of Otago (NZ).
Trevor Coleman (keyboards, trumpet)
Ensemble leader and composer Trevor Coleman grew up in New Zealand before launching into an international music career. His 2001 return to Dunedin, working as a film composer for Natural History New Zealand, has eventuated in three Emmy award nominations. In 2006, Trevor was commissioned to compose a suite for Symphony Orchestra based on his compositions for the acclaimed Equator documentary series, premiered in 2007 by the Southern Sinfonia. Trevor has a long trajectory of jazz performance in the United States, Europe and New Zealand. He is a graduate of the prestigious Berklee college, Boston, where he received expert training in film scoring and studied jazz piano under Chick Corea.
Nick Cornish (saxophones)
English oboist and saxophonist Nick Cornish has resided in Dunedin for over a decade. He is well respected as an educator across all sectors, and for his role as principal oboist (and section leader) of the Southern Sinfonia. Nick Cornish is a stalwart of jazz and jazz education in New Zealand, performing for many years with the Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra, the Calder Prescott Octet, and other groups.
David Harrison (guitars)
Hailing from the Hawkes Bay, David has played professionally for 20 years in a diverse range of groups and genres. His dynamic lead guitar work has excited audiences throughout the country. He is also recognized as an accomplished vocalist having been chosen as the front man for high profile Super 14 rugby venues and more recently for the Oxo Cubans? New Year productions in Dunedin. David is currently a Teaching Fellow at the Music Department, University of Otago.
Paul McLennan-Kissel (drums and percussion)
Christchurch Drummer Paul McLennan-Kissel studied contemporary music at the University of Otago. Active as a New Zealand musician across genres, his performance credits include appearances with the Julian Temple Band (Juju Crew), Entropy Trio, Irie Eyes, Magnolia, and Retrophonic Funk Machine. He has also toured and studied extensively in Central and South America. Outside his performance commitments, Paul is most likely to be found surfing anywhere along the south coast of the South Island.
