Gwyn Reynolds - Saxophone
Gwyn Reynolds was drawn to the saxophone in his formative years and fell in love with the playing of Dexter Gordon, whom he has transcribed extensively. Areas of musical interest include the improvisations of trumpeter Roy Hargrove and the composition of Oliver Nelson and Dave Holland. In 2009 he produced and played on an album by ‘Sumo Jazz’ (finalist in the Tui Jazz Awards). He is a regular performer at Jazz and Blues festivals throughout the country and has composed for numerous projects, including ‘Symposium’ and the C.S.O.
He is currently programme leader of Ara Music Arts (formerly CPIT jazz school) and teaches several subjects, including specialist ensembles, improvisation and Principal Study (saxophone) and jazz composition/arranging.
Gwyn has studied at a number of institutions throughout the country, including Auckland University, Wellington Polytechnic (now Massey University) [Dip Exec, Jazz], Victoria University [B Mus Comp], Canterbury University [BMus Hons], and Waikato Institute of Technology [MA (Music)], as well as a two-year music scholarship in Bremen, Germany.