Recreation

Jennine BaileyJennine Bailey jazz and blues songstress

Singer, performer and recording artist Jennine Bailey “puts her own soulful and unique stamp on everything she sings” She regularly headlines at festivals all over New Zealand, playing to sell out crowds and getting standing ovations.

Born in 1970, she has been singing professionally since 1996 and studying music since 1994, starting with Hagley Community College (1994-99), the Diploma in Jazz Performance from Christchurch Polytechnic & Institute of Technology (CPIT) Jazz School followed, then a Bachelor of Music (Hons) from University of Canterbury and a post-graduate Diploma in Learning and Teaching from The Christchurch College of Education. She is currently studying for a MA in music at the University of Canterbury.

She has been a vocal tutor at the CPIT Jazz School since 2000.
Her debut CD You go to my head was released in 2003 and she is hoping to release a second one in 2013.

This interview with Jennine was conducted in 2009.

How would you describe your style of music?
Jazz and blues
What does NZ music month mean to you?
Lots of great concerts to see!
You’ve performed at the library as part of New Zealand Music Month - what was it like to play at a library?
It’s great fun — a bit weird to be dressed up though, when I’m normally in the library in my please don’t let me bump into anyone I know clothes.
Have you written any songs about Christchurch or Canterbury?
No — I tend to sing songs about relationships and feelings (I’m such a girl).
Do you think the region / place makes its way onto the music — if so how?
So many fantastic performers have come out of Canterbury I would say that it’s more a case of the music making it’s way out of the region / place!
Are there any other influences on your music?
Lots of other performers; personal experience
What’s your favourite New Zealand song / and why?
Shouldn’t you oughta be in love by Dave Dobbyn — it’s a beautiful heart-felt tune.
Who’s your favourite NZ artist and why?
This is hard to say — I have so many! Sorry — I can’t have favourites…
Do you have a CD/CDs available?
Yes — I am also recording another album this year.
If so where can people get it/them?
Through my website http://www.jenninebailey.com
Tell us a little about your background - your home, your family, non-musical interests and so on…
All pretty normal!

Interview April 2009

Find more about Jennine