VoxNova (NewVoice) was formed in 1997 by percussionist Alan MacDonald to perform mainly Vintage Latin Jazz. We are constantly exploring new influences as featured on the fantastic music filled documentary Latcho Drom that follows the journey of the Romani People out of India, across Europe to end up settling in Andalusia and Spain. Our repertoire includes: Gitanos (Spanish Romani), Jazz Manouche (French Romani), Catalan (Nuevo Flamenco). This music conveys a joyful village-like atmosphere loved by all ages due especially to the Flamenco Rumba rhythm being based on the human heartbeat.
Alan MacDonald Founder / Percussionist.
Born in Scotland, Alan alongside a 30-year career as a creative director, Alan drummed in a rock band founded in his teens, followed by Folk and Celtic percussion. Alan's box-drum like instrument, the Cajon, originates in Peru, and is now closely associated with Flamenco due to its ability to imitate La Palmas, Flamenco hand clapping.
Nigel Gavin Acoustic Jazz Guitar
Originally from Long Island, New York, Nigel is a leading figure, teacher, performer, composer, locally and internationally. Master of the 7 string guitar, in fact, almost anything with strings he has performed with many well-known groups such as, Nairobi Trio, the Fondue Set, the Jews Brothers, the Blue Bottom Stompers, Gitbox Rebellion, now returned to Voxnova after a break of a few years.
Aaron Codell Double Bass.
A former member now returned to VoxNova after gaining a great deal of experience performing for jazz greats Cleo Laine, Mark Murphy and saxophonist George Coleman, Annie Crummer, Hello Sailor, King Kapisi, as well as vocalists Caitlin Smith, Jan Hellriegel and Linn Lorkin. Aaron has also supported a long list of theatrical productions and occasionally moonlights with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.
James Sneyd Violin.
Originally from Dunedin, he has traveled the world in his capacity of Mathematics Professor performing wherever he is located. James is highly skilled at any genre he adopts from Celtic, Country Rock, Manouche and Latin jazz. James has just the right vintage sound the band requires. Audiences enjoy the blitzing music duels.