All aboard the jazz train

Fairfax

NOSTALGIA: Steam train excursions evoke the romance of a previous age.

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When steam locomotive JA1271 pulls out of Paekakariki station on Friday, it will be driven not just by coal, but by the sounds of jazz. The train will be heading north to the National Jazz Festival in Tauranga and on board playing piano and singing in one of the train's oldest carriages (built in 1909) will be Wellington singer-songwriter Wayne Mason. He is just one of several musicians who will perform as wine flows on the three-day journey to Tauranga.

From traditional jazz to Dixieland, the music will be as assorted as the food and wine served by Steam Inc. volunteers.

Mason, who is a member of the rock band Fourmyula, is best known for penning the band's major hit Nature which in 2001 was voted number one song for the past 75 years by members of Apra (Australia Performing Rights Association). Mason also wrote a song 18 months ago called Fred Says "as a present really" for New Zealand's longest serving and oldest (now retired) locomotive engineer Fred Hamer. Hamer had been working the trains for 53 years.

It also gave Mason an excuse to write about his other passion - steam trains. He holds a driving and firing ticket and often works at Paekakariki, overhauling locomotives.

John Bovis spokesman and full-time volunteer for Steam Inc in Paekakariki which is organising the trip, says Mason is one of its most active members.

Mason will perform on the journey to Tauranga and also on its return to Paekakariki.

Bovis says while the majority of workers on the train are volunteers, the driver and fireman were contracted from Kiwi Rail.

"All the other crew including station manager, guards, stewards and buffet crew are volunteers." The JA1271 will be hauling seven carriages in total. Four with open-end balconies built in 1909 and another three which were constructed in the late '30s.

Bovis describes the trip to Tauranga as a leisurely trip.

It is usually a two-day trip, but Steam Inc has added an extra day.

"This year we are adding an extra day. When we arrive at Taumarunui we will do an additional excursion to Ohakune and back, which includes a journey up the Spiral. We thought it would be a good idea as it is Taumarunui's centenary this year." Bovis believes Steam Inc is doing its bit in preserving history.

"It's not as though the locomotive is packed in a building behind long grass. It is being used as it should be."

He is very happy when he sees the train being used and appreciated by everyone.

The Jazz Train's scheduled journey is: Friday (Day 1) Paekakariki to Taumarunui; Saturday (Day 2) Excursion from Taumarunui to Ohakune and back; Sunday (Day 3) Taumarunui to Hamilton.

Once in Hamilton a diesel engine will be placed in front of the steam locomotive as it is needed for the journey through the Kaimai Tunnel to Tauranga.

The JA1271 will then be used for two trips around the Bay of Plenty called Coastal Express and Coastal Discovery.

Evening concerts as part of the jazz festival will include performances from six-time Grammy award winning New Orleans jazz legend Dr John and the The Lower 911, Hammond B3 organ great Brian Auger and his Oblivion Express, and veteran swinging jazz singer Peggy Lee.

Local talent includes L.A. Mitchell, Samson/Nacey/Haines, Nairobi Trio, Open Souls and Nathan Haines.

* For more information go to steaminc.org.nz or call 0800 484 253.

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