JAKE BAXENDALE
Genres: Vocal Jazz, Progressive Big Band, Post-Fusion Contemporary • New Zealand

Jake Baxendale is an alto saxophonist and composer based in Te Whanganui-A-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand). Raised in remote Mohua (Golden Bay), he demonstrates in his life and music a freedom of expression, a love of nature, and a community-oriented mindset that is heavily influenced by his upbringing. He studied at the NZSM Te Kōkī from 2007-2011, during which time he also began collaborating with the performance art company Binge Culture Collective. Later, he cut his teeth playing a weekly residency with John Rae’s eclectic large group The Troubles. In 2012, he recorded his debut album Nerve with Wellington 8-piece The Jac, featuring compositions by himself and guitarist Callum Allardice. In 2013, the pair moved to Berlin to experience life and music in another city. It was in Berlin that Jake met Luke Sweeting, a jazz pianist from Sydney. Together they formed the group Antipodes, aiming to develop a trans-Pacific sound read more...