Name: Jonathan Crayford [solo] - Wellington Jazz Festival
Start: 2025-10-16T11:00:00+13:00
Location: 92 Vivian st, Wellington, 6011

Jonathan Crayford [solo] - Wellington Jazz Festival

Experience an intimate evening of solo jazz piano with internationally acclaimed New Zealand pianist Jonathan Crayford.
Returning home from performances across Europe, Crayford will take to his stunning Steinway D Concert Grand at Meow NUI on Thursday 16 October, weaving an eclectic mix of original compositions and inspired improvisations. Known for his expressive artistry and fearless creativity, Crayford draws on a lifetime of musical exploration across New York, Cuba, Brazil, and beyond. This promises to be a rare chance to hear one of Aotearoa’s finest jazz talents in a powerful and personal setting.
Jonathan Crayford is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most acclaimed pianists, composers, and improvisers, with an international career spanning New York, Cuba, Brazil, and Europe. A highly original musical voice, he is celebrated for his adventurous compositions, stunning improvisation, and versatility across jazz, funk, Latin, and classical traditions.
Crayford has written numerous film scores and albums, collaborating with world-renowned artists including Kurt Rosenwinkel, David Binney, Amp Fiddler, Groove Collective, David Murray, Tony Allen, Questlove, Macy Gray, and in Cuba with Bobby Carcassés. His trio album Dark Light (2014) was nominated for Best New Zealand Jazz Album, while its follow-up East West Moon (2016) won the award outright. His film and theatre scores have also earned critical acclaim, awards, and multiple nominations.
Respected both at home and abroad, Crayford has been described by Jazz Times as “exploratory, thoughtful, soulful, focused,” while Jazz Local 32 hails him as “the embodiment of sonic shapes and forms.” Pianist Mike Nock calls him “one of the very finest creative musical talents to have ever come from Aotearoa