Local jazz trumpeter records duo CD in New York
Christchurch-based jazz trumpeter Cameron Pearce is soon to release his first CD, recorded at the famous Bennett Studios in New Jersey (NY) with top New York pianist David Berkman. Pearce managed to score the chance to record a series of eight jazz standards towards the end of his three-semester studies towards a Masters degree in Jazz Performance at the City University of New York, Queens College.
CD tracks include Embraceable You, Body and Soul, All the Things You Are and Blues in the Closet.
“It’s not quite ready for release yet, we’re still working on the cover design, but it should come out in the next couple of months all going well,” Pearce said. “I didn’t envisage doing a CD when I left for New York, but it’s wonderful to have a tangible record of my achievements.”
A lecturer at CPIT Jazz School for the past 12 years, Pearce was able to take 18 months sabbatical in New York with funding for his $15,000 fees from CPIT Foundation.
He completed his Masters in Jazz Performance in December last year with a string of A and A+ grades, and has returned invigorated.
“I was able to recharge and hone my performance skills but also observe my teachers and compare their teaching methods, content and delivery style and how we measure up back home, delivering the Bachelor of Music in Jazz at CPIT. As a result, I reckon we’re doing pretty well here,” he said.
As well as recording a CD, Pearce also got to perform with a number of top New York jazz musicians including the Chico O’Farrell Afro Cuban Jazz Orchestra at the famous Birdland Jazz Club.
Back home now, in addition to tutoring in trumpet, jazz theory, improvisation, ensemble playing and ear training, Pearce is playing some concerts with Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, is a member of the Departure Lounge band (which has a new album out in the next couple of months) and in the backing band for Dave Dobbyn (at the forthcoming Christchurch Arts Festival) and Julia Deans.