Dr Mark Baynes

I am a jazz pianist with a contemporary leaning. Although informed by academia, I am primarily a performer, composer and accompanist residing in Auckland, New Zealand. I am a presenter of 95bFM's The Jazz Show, and write the X-Factory column for NZ Musician Magazine.

I was a guest arranger for the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s production of Hansel and Gretel, written by acclaimed composer Claire Cowan, and recorded for an album by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 2020. In 2021 I collaborated with Troy Kingi on a soon to be released single entitled Dreams, and co-wrote an album with Latin Grammy Award Winner Mireya Ramos (Flor de Toloache – NYC). In August 2021, I recorded with Allana Goldsmith, a track called Tīpuna, due to be released on the Waiata Anthems 3 project in September 2021. I have been lucky enough to perform alongside some giants of jazz including Eric Marienthal (Chick Corea), Mark Kramer (Eddie Gomez), Cley Jenkins (Buddy Rich & Count Basie) as well as Andy Vargas (Santana), Mireya Ramos (Latin Grammy Award Winner) and a Broadway cast. I have also performed many times on most New Zealand TV networks. I have enjoyed working with acts such as King Kapisi, Che-Fu, Troy Kingi, Mireya Ramos (NYC), Tony Christie (UK), Anika Moa, Don McGlashan, Batucada Sound Machine, Bella Kalolo, Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra and the Topp Twins.