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One Earthling's Life.
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One Earthling's Life.
Another great transition into a new year, Tahora style. See the photos here.
It was the first time for Trude to attend a Fredstock and we sure hope it won't be the last. So close to home and yet definitely "out of Auckland". It was a marvelous weekend of sharing with friends. Thank you Fred! See the photos here.
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What an awesomely pleasant surprise! I haven't seen this level of expert musicianship in New Zealand since Tommy Emmanuel played at Sky City over a year ago. To be able to enjoy it in an intimate setting like The Bunker is one of those rare transcendant treats. I can't recommend Richard's show to you enough. If he is going to be anywhere near where you could possibly see him I guarantee you won't regret spending whatever effort it takes you to get there. Not only is his music extraordinary but his personable style and laid back sense of humor provide an intimate and personal context in which to appreciate it. Several of us didn't get our fill on Sunday and went to Richard's workshop at Tabac on Monday. It 'twas a guitar players dream. DON'T MISS this opportunity to see a world class musician in the intimate setting of your club. You can see Richard's tour schedule here. Find out more at www.richardgilewitz.com. |
Another soul rejuvenating weekend at Waharau came about thanks to all of us who attended and made it what it was. Special thanks to Royal Deborah (see the photos) for taking the initiative and following through to make it happen and to all the volunteers (you know who you are!) who added some of themselves to the event. See the photos here.
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What I said almost exactly a year ago still applies in full measure. To sum it up: wow!!!! I took heaps of photos and had some problems with the flash. Interestingly, the ones that at first appeared totally black were most evocotive when recovered using extreme digital techniques. I have made a collage here. Have a listen to a five second audio sample. |
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A good Kiwi bloke singing good Kiwi songs. And that's not all, he gave us lots of amusing stories and poems all the way from Tibet to the antics of South Island Keas. I got to try out the new digital camera that captures 5 seconds of audio along with the visual image. Have a listen. |
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This hurdy gurdy woman sent The Bunker into hurdy gurdy heaven. It's
really great to see a musician who is passionate about their music deliver
a passionate performance of that music. Her heart melting smile at the end
of each song seemed familiar - finally I realized it is the same exultant
smile that I used to love seeing when Eddy Van Halen played his guitar.
I was fascinated by the rhythm aspects of her playing facilitated by the
"dogs". When you go see her perform don't forget to ask for "the
bluegrass song", number 2, and everything you always wanted to know
about the hurdy gurdy. Barb is a lovely lady with a fine sense of humor,
an accomplished musician and a joy to watch. It's not often that you'll
get a chance to hear the hurdy gurdy played with such style and skill in
New Zealand. Speaking of number 2, what are you dreaming about these days,
Barb? www.hotkey.net.au/~beelzebarb |
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What can I say? You just had to be there and you sure missed out if you weren't. Greg makes a great straight man next to Roger's...well, I'm really not sure what Roger is but Greg is a great straight man next to it. You just had to be there. |
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While still flying high from the Keb Mo concert the night before we felt
like seeing Kristina tonight would be like a bonus. I had forgotten how
her performances can be so powerfully moving. By the end of the first set
my face hurt from smiling and my eyes were red from crying. Next time I
will remember to being the Kleenex. Her clever and hard driving guitar
arrangements reinforce the emotional punch of her lyrics. Mr. MO didn't
make me cry. www.KristinaOlsen.net |
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Bill gave us a night of North American style acoustic music with a heavy
influence from the contemporary country and bluegrass scene. The majority
of the songs are Bill's own creations. It felt great to hear some well crafted
songs in the Texas tradition. I played backup mandolin for Bill at the Temple
bar a couple of nights later. He stayed at our house one night and we enjoyed
his company at the Te Arohoa festival. He kept us laughing through the rain
with stories and songs from Texas. www.BillPassalacqua.com |
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David Reekie and Ann Robertson gave an evening full of very tastefully arranged music crossing several genres. David's clever and beautiful guitar arrangements make a perfect accompaniment to Ann's powerful singing. We'll miss them when they head back home to Scotland. |
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While back in Texas for a short time I was fortunate to be able to acquire
a Rigel mandolin. This is one of the finest instruments I have ever played
and I am now keen to do a lot more mandolin work. Find out more here. |
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There is no way to describe the Les Barker experience. You just had to be there. Suffice it to say that you should expect to find yourself racked with uncontrollable laughter for the duration. Your sides will hurt, your face will hurt and your bladder will strain from laughing so hard and long. |
Music in 4th Quarter 2001
Music in August 2001
Music in July 2001
Music in June 2001
Music in May 2001
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