The Back of Beyond

A trio playing a diverse mix of World Music all with a soul and jazz infused improvisational edge. From Africa to Cuba, Jamaica, Brazil, Louisiana, Ireland and New Zealand. The trio consists of percussion guru Doug Brush (Doug teaches at the Jazz School in Christchurch and regularly performs with The Symphony orchestra and runs a drum camp on Banks Peninsula - He has played all over the world in middle eastern ensembles and all manner of world music project )
Strings maestro Nathan Torvik is based in Cable Bay and will be playing his hybrid guitar and bass setup and mandolin. Lastly, intrepid musical journeyman, now resident in Tasman, Craig
Denham will be on Piano, Accordion, Whistles and Vocals.

Having had brief opportunities to play together in the past, when finding themselves billed at the same festival, for example, or being on tour in the neighbourhood and guesting in each others projects, the 3 decided to push things further and spent a week together down in Canterbury in August 2023 that culminated in a number of gigs. A video with snippets from the last of these gigs cobbled together from footage taken by various audience members is on YouTube if you’re interested in checking that out.

Craig says “It is a rare treat to get the three of us together with all of us involved in numerous separate musical projects and Doug living down on Banks Peninsula. This really is a labour of love.”The Back of Beyond