Heather Webb

Heather is a professional guitarist and composer based in Ōtautahi. An active member of the music scenes with extensive experience as a recording artist, composer, band leader and theatre guitarist, she also leads numerous ensembles, most notably Resolve –astrophysics-inspired jazz compositions. A recent live performance of Resolve was reviewed as, “an engaging blend of scientific and musical nerdery. Webb offers fascinating context in her introductions, invites the room into her enthusiasms, ... leaves the audience wanting more... It’s a real joy to watch her own the space and lead the all-male band in something with such a clear and thoughtful creative point of view.”

Heather performs regularly with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra, Free Theatre, The Court Theatre and Showbiz Christchurch, and at various jazz and arts festivals. She has collaborated with many musicians - performing, composing and recording with artists including Merk, Julia Deans, Mousey, Bic Runga, and Delaney Davidson, as well as with leading local musicians, Tom Rainey, Darren Pickering, Reuben Derrick and Michael Story. In 2021, Heather was listed by RNZ as a top woman in jazz.

Heather has written a variety of music. She has composed for a feature length documentary, and a commission to write and record a new work for Sumo Jazz, Shiko (Rattle Records) was listed on RNZ’s Best of NZ Jazz list and received high praise by acclaimed music reviewer, Graham Reid, “Webb’s evocatively atmospheric [composition]... glides between her and keyboards with a leisurely confidence which is both gentle but often on the precipice of unresolved tension. It’s a standout.”

Heather holds a Bachelor of Music (Hons) and tutors guitar at the University of Canterbury.