Owing to the reduction to Level 2 Covid-19 restrictions, we are able to open again as from 29 September.
We hate turning people away, but I'm sure you'll understand that we must adhere to the government requirements. Social distancing required along with good hygiene standards.
Membership subscriptions available to guests:
$15 1 month, $30 6 months, $50 12 months.
Children free.
$5 door charge. Signing in details required.
We look forward to seeing you again to enjoy some superb music.
JAN PRESTON was always drawn to the Boogie Woogie style of piano playing, made popular by Black American’s in the 1930’s.So it’s no surprise that her latest CD is called PIANO BOOGIE WOMAN, Jan singing and playing with energy and passion in the characteristic 8-to-the-bar boogie rhythm.
This is a landmark CD for Jan being her 12th solo album, recorded entirely on her own grand piano, with a protracted song writing period due to the COVID lockdown.
“I had much more listening and thinking time on this CD than any prior, and I’m very excited by the results.” says Jan. “I’m also delighted to be able to come from Sydney (via hotel isolation) to play an extensive tour of the North Island with my trio. We’ll be performing my new material as well as some music that’s been in our set for a while but not recorded until now”
The boogie groove is said to have originated from the rhythm of the steam train and Jan’s family home in Greymouth was nearby the train line. Perhaps it’s no coincidence she has an affinity with it, and plays and sings boogie woogie with such style and energy.
Musicians don’t stop because live shows do.
Through wars, pandemics, isolation and suchlike, the music plays on.
Because that’s what musicians do.
It keeps them sane.
Piano player and songwriter extraordinaire, JAN PRESTON, took the opportunity in her studio during Sydney’s lockdown, to lay down tracks for her latest CD Piano Boogie Woman.
Following two weeks in Auckland Hotel Quarantine, Jan is set to release her CD with a 20-date trio concert tour of the North Island throughout October.
Jan’s infectious brand of boogie piano, together with her candid humour, entertaining and energetic personaility, have found a loyal audience throughout Australia, NZ, Germany and the UK.
From a background in classical music with a long-term interest in composition and song writing, her early career began in NZ with the 1980 Hit Band Coup D’Etat.
Winner of 5 music awards, Jan also composes music for film and TV (such as her sister Gaylene Preston’s film My Year With Helen) and performs side by side with the greatest contemporary boogie piano players in the world today.
Jan Preston is known as Australasia’s Queen of boogie piano, she is a magnetic live performer and astonishing piano player with a rich resonant voice. Her original songs, compositions and mastery of boogie- woogie captivate audiences at festivals and in concerts around the world , she shine’s as a truly Antipodean original.
Jan Preston Performs Boogie Woman at 13th Floor Aug 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uqJR6p1vFY
Reviews
One woman, a piano and a whole lot of talent.
3 Weeks Edinburgh
From boogie woogie to ragtime the air pulsates with the magical rhythms she produces….a forceful presence and a huge performance energy.
ChCh Star NZ
One of the best pianists of our time, Preston masters the piano like a maestro juggling the keys. Her voice is suave and sensual, with finesse and sensibility.
Crossroads France
Australia’s finest female blues talent.
Drum Media Sydney
This New Zealander is a discovery for friends of excellent boogie based music.
Blues News Germany
Jan Preston is a crusader of the keys…she carries the torch for the piano culture.
Melbourne Age
She sings with a delivery which speaks of empowerment and hope….she’s got the blues in her heart, mardi gras in her fingers, and a Trans-Tasman attitude in her songs.
Rhythms Magazine Australia
At the piano she is queen.
ChCh Press NZ
Technically strong, full of character, dripping with life.
American Blues Review