The Samsom Nacey Haines Trio will perform at The Festival Club, part of Red Square, a multi-venue hub based in the Aotea Centre precinct.

Three of New Zealand's top jazz artists, Ron Samsom, Kevin Haines and Dixon Nacey, perform compositions and improvisations that reflect their passion for jazz music. The result is truly exceptional; a brilliantly executed performance that resounds with superb playing, impressive arrangements and a unique "sonic footprint" delivered with a clarity and depth that completely immerses the listener. The Samsom Nacey Haines Trio will perform at The Festival Club, part of Red Square, a multi-venue hub based in the Aotea Centre precinct.

Three of New Zealand's top jazz artists, Ron Samsom, Kevin Haines and Dixon Nacey, perform compositions and improvisations that reflect their passion for jazz music. The result is truly exceptional; a brilliantly executed performance that resounds with superb playing, impressive arrangements and a unique "sonic footprint" delivered with a clarity and depth that completely immerses the listener. During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
Usually, directly after a good sleep.

How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Practical.

What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
That point at the height of a gig where the audience is enthralled, and the musicians onstage are all connected, and the sound takes on a complete life of it's own, carrying you along to an indescribably beautiful, joyous moment where all is forgotten, lost in the music and the moment.

How does your environment affect your work?
I like to believe that my environment and my work are interconnected; playing music regularly in public will give you both thrilling and humbling experiences, many of which affect your work in both positive and negative ways. But in performing for people - you become a part of their lives, even if just for a moment; and can therefore be a positive or negative influence on them.

Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
I think the details ARE the most important part of the big picture - the difference between a fantastic thing and a fair thing is usually some small detail. So during a performance I try to consider every little detail, in the hope that it may make the night just that little bit more special in some way, for someone.

What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Work very, very hard and very, very, very smart. Wait that's two tips"¦

Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
The SNH trio album, OPEN TO SUGGESTIONS, which we will be releasing at our first AK09 Festival date, Monday March 16th. I wrote a song for it that is dedicated to my son. You should certainly buy it.

Who or what has inspired you recently?
This video of a Nicaraguan guy with no arms who plays guitar with his feet called Tony Melendez - singing and playing 'Let it be' by The Beatles. I always cry when I watch it, but I still keep on watching it.

If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Gardener, I love feeling like it's me growing something - even if it's actually nature and not me"¦

What place is always with you, wherever you go?
The Cook Islands: my Mothers birthplace and my homeland. Peaceful, beautiful. And I think a bit of coral from Arorangi is still stuck in my foot from a holiday there recently"¦

What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
There is no best way, just listen.

You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
I'd sharpen one end of the stick to make a spear, fashion a lasso from the string and a makeshift head covering. Then I'd run around waving my spear, waggling my lasso, beating my chest and making primitive grunting sounds to mark out my territory whilst wearing my new hat.

What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Breathe slowly and deeply into your stomach through your nose, and then out through your mouth, so quietly that you can't hear the breath escape.

What's great about today?
It will only happen once. Ever.

What's great about the Auckland Festival 2009?
It will only happen once. Ever. Except for our two shows on the 16th, then the 17th - which will only happen twice. Ever.

What's your big idea for 2009?
To release at least one more album with my own work on it.