Swing 42

Swing 42 are one of Aotearoas most enduring gypsy swing bands, comprising some of New Zealands most dedicated and respected jazz musicians. Swing 42 stretch out on music by Django Reinhardt as well as choice jazz and latin standards.

Swing 42 normally work as a trio, comprising clarinet, acoustic guitar and double bass. However this can be reduced or expanded for special occasions. For example, at the 2015 Christchurch International Jazz and Blues festival they were joined by guest violinist Daniel Weltlinger (Berlin/Sydney). For performances in small venues or on a tight budget they appear with 2 or 3 musicians (reeds, guitar and/or double bass).

Reuben Derrick (clarinet and saxophone) performs extensively throughout New Zealand and around the world. In 2014 he graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts in composition. In 2015 he was an artist-in-residence at Music Omi in New York. More recent appearances have been in Melbourne, Sydney, Auckland, Vienna, Ljubljana, Zagreb, Warsaw, Colombo and Wellington.

Keith Petch (guitar) has been playing gypsy jazz throughout NZ since the 80s and continues to explore this discipline with a passion. During recent years he has spent a lot of his time Spain performing with European musicians.

Michael Kime (double bass) has played with many of New Zealands finest musicians in jazz, classical and country settings. Michael is a founding member of Christchurchs celebrated Silencio Ensemble, contributing as a composer and holding the Double Bass chair. Michael has performed in Concert halls and venues in America, Japan and Dubai.