Last night, members of the music community gathered in Pōneke for a special event in celebration of the APRA Best Jazz Composition Award. It was a fitting time to applaud our 2023 finalists and announce the winner on the eve of the annual Wellington Jazz Festival. The finalists and winner were decided by a panel of APRA members who have a respected understanding of jazz composition.
First time finalist, Louisa Williamson, was announced as the winner for her composition ‘Dream Within A Dream’. As well as being a regular gigging and session musician, Louisa fronts her own group playing her own original compositions. ‘Dream Within A Dream’ is the lead track from debut album What Dreams May Come released in June 2022 and engineered, mixed, and mastered by Mike Gibson.
Speaking on the composition, one of the anonymous judges says, "Dream Within A Dream’ is a kaleidoscope of serene textures and colours, weaving effortlessly through it’s three otherworldly sections. Both peaceful and full of surprise, this imaginative and daring composition is a one of a kind masterpiece to be celebrated for many years to come."
The evolving three sectional piece explores themes of dreaming, whether it be when we are asleep or daydreaming. The piece’s intention is to bring a sense of calm and reduce anxiety. The middle (second) section represents the “dream within a dream” and features a trombone solo by the amazing Wellington musician Kaito Walley.
To find a crossover between ambient and big band jazz, ‘Dream Within A Dream’ is intended to be as ignorable as it is engaging, like how ambient music is often described as “wallpaper music”. It is meant to soften the space around you, allowing you to relax into it.
Listen/purchase 'Dream Within A Dream'
Louisa Williamson is based in Pōneke (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand). She has performed live and recorded with L.A.B., Trinity Roots, Dawn Diver, Bret McKenzie, AJA, MĀ, Rob Ruha, Clear Path Ensemble, The Rodger Fox Big Band, Other Futures Big Band, Lord Echo and Louis Baker.
In attendance at the informal celebration last night were the other finalists, The Circling Sun (Cam Allen, Matt Hunter, Julien Dyne) and Jake Baxendale, members of the music community, and APRA whānau Ant Healey (Head of Operations NZ), Mike Hall (Director of Member Services), Trilby Crowther (Member Services Rep), and Holly Afoa (Communications & Events Rep).