We return to the occasional series wherein Winston expounds on things currently making him happy. And this week Winston couldn't be happier. New albums are here and on their way, interesting gigs are just around the corner. Love is in the air and music is all around – it must be spring.

198: A blast from the past!

Simon Elton, singer/guitarist with B-Side Band and relentless archiver of previously-lost music has added another newly-discovered gig to the increasing catalogue that he started with several live recordings of Ritchie Pickett. Simon played bass with him for several years.

This time it's Auckland pub rock heavies The Furys, fronted by big-voiced singer Dave McLean. Simon again played bass. They had a still-vaguely-remembered single called ‘Auckland Fun'. But this new release 'Sons of the Rumba', recorded live at Auckland's Rumba Bar in 1981, finds them roaring through a bunch of tough covers. It's rough 'n' ready and really for collectors and fans only, but that select group will enjoy a hit of nostalgia. Locate it via B-Side Band online.

199: A blast from the future!

I mentioned recently that Shirley Rider's band The Shirleybyrds, her collaboration with ace guitarist/singer Graeme Hardaker, has been recording at Tim Julian's Welcome Bay studio, The Colour Field. The first fruits, 'Around You Spin Me' is now available for perusal by way of YouTube. Save the launch date of Sunday, October 13 when Shirley and Graeme will be joined by Bruce (Brilleaux) Rolands, Tim Julian and others at Vinyl Destination on Devonport Rd. More details to follow...

200: Another blast from the future!

While we're at Tim Julian's studio I should mention the other tantalising project happening there, the current recording of singer Grant Haua's second solo album. For the past few years Grant has been one half of blues/rock monsters Swamp Thing but on quiet Thursday nights he's been slipping down to the Colour Field and playing around with Tim and guests such as Kokomo harp player Grant Bullot.

This will be Grant H's first solo release since the solo/acoustic 'Knucklehead'. Here at The Watusi Country Club we could not be more excited!

201: Music from there, here, now!

Tauranga obviously enjoys the food of India, now try the Sounds of India! Comprising the Sounds of India are Lester Silver (sitar), Basant Madhur and Akhil Madhur (tabla), and this Saturday, September 15 they present a selection of North Indian classical music at The Historic Village's Jam Factory. They will be supported by traditional Indian singer Kutu Mukuherjee.

A little history: during the Moghul Empire period in the 13th and 14th century the sitar and tabla were developed and the sounds grew into a highly sophisticated musical form known as 'raga sangeet', popularised in the West by Ravi Shankar, and more recently his daughter Anoushka Shankar. This promises to be a sensational display. Doors open at 6pm, cost $15.

202: Music from there, here, later!

Next weekend Rosie's at it again, promoting another concert at the Te Puna Quarry Park Gallery. Laura Collins and the Back Porch Blues Band play there on Sunday, September 23.

These Wellington cats have been frequent visitors here over the past couple of years and are well worth catching. Laura is a terrific singer and works the stage well, while the band represent the cream of Wellington blues players with Wayne Mason – writer of 'Nature' and solo artist in his own right – burning it up on the keys, John O'Connor on guitar, and the rhythm section of George Barris on upright bass and drummer Peter Cogswell.

Expect to hear Fats Domino, Beth Hart, Bonnie Raitt, Nina Simone and John Lee Hooker along with Laura's own bluesy tunes. Doors 7pm, show 7.30pm, tickets $25 at the door or contact Rosie on email: waharaurosie@gmail.com or phone: 07 552 6291.

watusi@thesun.co.nz