Looking for more venues to play and more musicians to play with, a contingent of young jazz musicians left New Zealand in the early 1960s, never to return. Among them were Mike Nock, Alan Broadbent, Dave MacRae, and Joy Yates. All have maintained a profile in New Zealand, thanks to visits home or updates in the media. Another in this group is the pianist, composer, arranger and teacher Judy Bailey, who became a stalwart of the Australian jazz scene.

Born in Auckland in 1935, Bailey grew up in Whangārei but was back in the big city by the mid-1950s to continue her musical education and to take part in the jazz scene. She quickly became prominent in Auckland jazz clubs, including stints at The Hi Diddle Griddle nightclub.