BAND PROFILE
Named after the striking features on Wellington’s rugged southern coastline, Wellington Heads have been playing in and around the capital city, and in venues further afield, for over 20 years.
Wellington Heads consists of three core songwriter-musicians (Geoff Keith, Neil Worboys, and Bill Wood) who combine with key musicians to form a larger live and recording band. Their songs comment on life experiences with a distinctive Wellington flavour.
Wellington Heads have evolved their own sound through the influences of Kansas style blue jazz, the swinging rhythm n blues of Louis Jordan and Ray Charles, Chicago blues and infused with Pacific/Hawaiian rhythms, New Orleans grooves and Latino feels.
Sharp and energetic, Wellington Heads entice people to the dance floor, regularly delighting audiences at Wellington venues, and playing festivals, corporate and private functions. They are frequently invited to perform outside of Wellington, and over the years have played Auckland, Tauranga, Manawatu, Nelson and Wellington Jazz and Blues Festivals.
Wellington Heads have recorded six albums, their last World keep Turning released in 2023. This critically acclaimed album continues their unique sound with a mix of rhythm n’ blues, swing, soul and latino grooves. In combining this with their previous albums, and adding a bunch of new numbers – with a new album due in 2024 - Wellington Heads have built an extensive repertoire of eclectic original songs.
Wellington Heads’ regular six piece line up is: Neil Worboys – vocals, guitar, harmonica, Bill Wood – guitars, Geoff Keith – bass, Nic Deighton – drums, Phil Costello – saxophone, Tom Hulland – trumpet.