Jazz Pianist, Composer,Musical Director, Arranger and Recording Artist was born in Christchurch He is one of the country's foremost Jazz Musicians. He began his career at the Winter Garden Cabaret and soon after became co-founder of a Bedford Row Club called "The Jazz Inn". He studied Arranger and Composition at Michigan State University USA in 1956. On returning he was musical director at The Malando Restaurant for 12 years. He was then musical director for Radio New Zealand and Television New Zealand for many years.
Doug taught at the Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School for 14 years and retired as Lecturer Emeritus in 2005.The auditorium at the Jazz School is named after him. Known locally as "The Maestro" Doug has performed with the "cream of the crop"Jazz musicians, Henry Mancini, Ronnie Scott, Nat Adderley, Scott Hamilton, Buddy Tait, Holly Hoffman, Don Rader, Mavis Rivers and many more.
Doug is a full writer member of APRA /AMCOS and has received numerous Awards and Citations including in 2006 the MNZM for Services to Jazz in New Zealand.
Recent reviews.....
"Doug's swinging and lyrical piano playing took centre stage, and showed all the benefits of his long and illustrious career."
Mike Bain. Wellington Jazz Club, November 16, 2014
Fairfax NZ news.
"Caldwell stole the show. His playing appeared effortless regardless of the complexity of the piece. His musicality, dexterity and energy showed. The piano seemed to become a
veritable extension of him."
JO Say. Nelson Jazz Festival, January 4, 2014
Fairfax NZ news
Doug taught at the Christchurch Polytechnic Jazz School for 14 years and retired as Lecturer Emeritus in 2005.The auditorium at the Jazz School is named after him. Known locally as "The Maestro" Doug has performed with the "cream of the crop"Jazz musicians, Henry Mancini, Ronnie Scott, Nat Adderley, Scott Hamilton, Buddy Tait, Holly Hoffman, Don Rader, Mavis Rivers and many more.
Doug is a full writer member of APRA /AMCOS and has received numerous Awards and Citations including in 2006 the MNZM for Services to Jazz in New Zealand.
Recent reviews.....
"Doug's swinging and lyrical piano playing took centre stage, and showed all the benefits of his long and illustrious career."
Mike Bain. Wellington Jazz Club, November 16, 2014
Fairfax NZ news.
"Caldwell stole the show. His playing appeared effortless regardless of the complexity of the piece. His musicality, dexterity and energy showed. The piano seemed to become a
veritable extension of him."
JO Say. Nelson Jazz Festival, January 4, 2014
Fairfax NZ news