Saxophonist Hayden Chisholm – originally from Taranaki but resident in Europe for more that 30 years – formed Unwind with local musicians Paul Dyne and Norman Meehan in 2012. Performing music that knows a lot about jazz but is unafraid of folk and chamber music traditions, they play melodic, contrapuntal music characterised by a beautiful group sound and a great deal of space. Touring Aotearoa most years, the group was expanded to include drummer Julien Dyne in 2018. In 2025 they will be touring their new album Ember (Rattle Records) but also playing numbers from their now extensive back catalogue.

Hayden moved to Germany in 1993 to study at the Cologne College of Music. He has performed in Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa and of course—when the chance arises—around Aotearoa. Having developed a truly unique voice on the saxophone, Hayden is one of New Zealand’s most outstanding musical exports. Allaboutjazz.com describes him as having "perhaps the clearest, purist sound of any saxophonist out there today, rivalling—perhaps surpassing—that of one of Duke Ellington's main alto men, Johnny Hodges”.

Paul Dyne is a cornerstone of the New Zealand jazz scene. Having cut his teeth with Doug Caldwell and Stu Buchannan in Christchurch, Canada was his finishing school, where he played with Pepper Adams, Sonny Stitt and Alvin Queen. In New Zealand he is a first-call bassist for international visitors and has performed and toured with Emily Remler, Blossom Dearie, Bruce Foreman, Bill Cunliffe, and many others.

Julien Dyne is everybody’s favourite drummer. Recording and touring with Opensouls, Avantdale Bowling Club, Ladi6, Fat Freddies Drop, and his own group Circling Sun, his music is released on Soundway Records (London) and Wonderful Noise (Japan).

Norman Meehan is a pianist and composer, and as well as his work with Unwind records song settings of New Zealand poetry with vocalist Hannah Griffin for Rattle Records. He is the author of Serious Fun: Mike Nock’s life and music, and New Zealand Jazz Life.

For their show at New Plymouth’s 4th Wall, the group will be joined by outstanding local vocalist Lauren Nottingham. Like Unwind, Lauren’s music – which she has performed in Europe and the Americas as well as around Aotearoa – knows a lot about jazz but is happy to draw from other wells. An elegant musician with a beautiful sound, her collaboration with Unwind will open up an enchanting musical world.

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