Minor Blues Shine

By Dr William Martin | Posted: Sunday July 27, 2025

Minor Blues, the Otago Girls’ and Boys’ combined jazz combo, performed at Hanover Hall on Saturday night to a capacity crowd at the featured artist concert of the Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival.

The group was invited to open for the All Girl Big Band after winning the awards for “Best Combo” at the festival and “Best Straight” performance for their rendition of Roy Hargrove’s “Strasbourg Saint Denis.”

On the night, they also performed versions of Jackie McLean’s “Blues Inn” and Marcus Miller’s “Splatch,” which featured a range of improvised solos and spontaneous interactions. The group consists of Finn Marshall (alto), Oban Voice (trumpet), Callan Power (tenor), Nikita Lu (piano), Fleur de Clifford (bass), and James Phipps-Green (drums), and they will continue preparing for their trip to Blenheim for the Southern Jam next week. Finn, Callan, and Nikita were also recognised for their individual talent by being selected for the All Star Band at the festival.

The band was prepared for the festival by Bill Martin and supported by Eugene Shields, both of whom were responsible for organising and staging the Dunedin Youth Jazz Festival over Friday and Saturday. Thanks to Brad and Mandy Phipps-Green for the wonderful photos.

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