The Blue Messengers Take Gold in Tauranga

Entering a National Youth Jazz Competition for the first time is enough to rattle the most seasoned players, but Abilio Fernandes, Lorenzo di Maio, JC Historillo, and Zach Breen didn't just show up—they made an entrance.

From the first downbeat, it was clear that this wasn't just a school group; it was a unit. Whether it was Abilio effortlessly switching between the soulful wail of the alto sax and the rhythmic precision of the piano, or Lorenzo’s guitar lines cutting through the air with professional clarity, the audience knew they were witnessing something special.

The backbone of any great jazz combo is the "engine room," and the Messengers brought a high-performance model. JC Historillo on drums and Zach Breen on bass provided a foundation so solid it felt like the floor of the venue had shifted.

The Verdict: Gold

When the final notes faded and the scores were tallied, The Blue Messengers were awarded a prestigious Gold Award. It is a staggering achievement in their debut appearance, placing them at the top of the 60 competing bands.

The judges’ feedback was the cherry on top of an already historic weekend:

• "You're a great band."

• "You guys started with a bang."

• "Nothing but praise from us."