This year the iconic Rodger Fox Big Band is celebrating history with tours and a selection of CDs from Rodger's playlist.

It is their 50th Anniversary, and in true Rodger Fox Big Band style, they are doing it with five national tours featuring international artists to bring Kiwis a series of unrivalled world-class musical performances.

Over the last 50 years, the Rodger Fox Big Band has become an institution, creating a unique and unrivalled contribution to the New Zealand arts and music scene, including the National Jazz Festival held in Tauranga each year.

"On a shoestring budget, we have performed throughout New Zealand along with some of the biggest names in jazz and blues," says Rodger.

"Many of these artists have also given much of themselves back to music, for example, presenting educational workshops."

New Zealand jazz and blues fans have been able to see these artists in concert through a lot of hard work both musically and financially by Rodger Fox and members of the big band.

"What we do is expensive. An average tour has associated costs of $150k. This year the band is bringing you five national tours featuring international artists.

Rodger says the programme celebrating their 50th Anniversary in 2023  will tickle every style, is massive in its scope and is perfectly suited to the heroic efforts of the band.

Three of the tours have already taken place - The Big Drum Off: March 2023, The Saxophone Summit: April 2023, and   Four Hands, Two Pianos & One Big Band: Queens Birthday Weekend, May/June 2023; with two more tours remaining. These are the World Blues Revue in August/September, and the Brother Man Tour, King Kapisi and the RFBB at Labour Weekend in October.

Each tour has an educational component – Jazz on the Road, Changing Lives through music – a series of one-day masterclasses for secondary school jazz bands delivered by the Rodger Fox Big Band and featuring international jazz musicians and educators.

The Rodger Fox Big Band is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a CD offer and tours. Photo: Supplied.

As well as the tours, Rodger has handpicked a selection of CDs from his playlist to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Rodger Fox Big Band.

The special offer, which is only available during the band’s 50th Anniversary, includes 10 CDs for just $50, plus postage.

“We've recorded a remarkable 46 CDs over the years and with six NZ Music Tui awards under our belt, you can expect top-notch music that will captivate you," says Rodger.

“With no public funding being forthcoming, we've had to meet the entire cost of the Big Band’s 50th Anniversary concert series and ‘Jazz on the Road’ master classes in secondary schools and the costs associated with hosting international artists, travel and securing venues cannot always be covered by ticket sales, hence this initiative.”

The handpicked selection features the best work from the band's back catalogue, showcasing the talent and versatility of the band. These are the 10 CDs you'll receive:

1. "Warriors" with Bill Cunliffe & the Rodger Fox Big Band

2. "Live at the Bruce Mason Centre" with Michael Houstoun & the Rodger Fox Big Band

3. "The LA – NZ Jazz Connection" featuring Rodger Fox with Brian Smith, & special guests Larry Koonse, Tom Warrington, & Joe LaBarbera

4. "Are Back in Town" with Midge Marsden & the Rodger Fox Big Band

5. "Funkbone Experience" with Rodger Fox, Nick Granville, Lance Philip & renowned American artists Dewayne Pate on bass & David K Mathews on keyboards

6. "Back to Being One" – Rodger Fox with Bill Cunliffe, Tom Warrington, & Steve Houghton

7. "Hipwalk" – Rodger Fox Big Band's recording from United Studios in Los Angeles

8. "Big Blues" – Erna Ferry with the Rodger Fox Big Band

9. "Something Juicy" – Rodger Fox with Bill Reichenbach on trombone & friends

10. "Plays New Zealand" by the Rodger Fox Big Band

"Please note that if any of the listed titles are sold out we will substitute them with another equally exceptional CD," says Rodger.

Experience the magic of the Rodger Fox Big Band celebrating 50 years of musical excellence and their collection of timeless music, by visiting their website

Rodger has handpicked a selection of CDs from his playlist to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Rodger Fox Big Band. Photo: Supplied.