Music

The power of performing Lou Reed

If you were judging by concerts, 2024 is the Year of the Tribute Band. Perhaps it simply reflects current tough times, a retreat into safe stuff that's easy... Read More

Satellite sessions singer songwriters

It is regularly suggested that because Tauranga is a middle-of-the-road city, I should write about middle-of-the-road music. The problem is that my musical... Read More

Crooked Finger’s ‘Unshackled’ album

How bands approach the recording studio has changed a lot, at least since the 1960s. Why the 1960s? That's when studios started using multi-track recorders,... Read More

New albums, new singles, busy times...

No time to waste, new music is here... First up, Gary Harvey's latest album ‘Outta My Head' is officially out and very good it is too. Gary has been... Read More

Incubating multicultural music

Exciting times are on the horizon, and I am an avid observer. But only an observer. When you good folk of Tauranga vote for the first new council since 2021,... Read More

Two new albums from the Bay

I'm looking at two new local albums today, very different from each other but with one big similarity. One is from Irish band The Whittakers, the other from... Read More

Ukes, blues, Hekapa and ‘Garage Fuzz’...

It seems my tidy plan for New Zealand Music Month has descended into chaos. C'est la vie. And though it's all over now, it seems the sudden glut of local... Read More

Thank you for the music, Rodger

I was ready to review a couple of local albums today when I heard Rodger Fox had died. I write in advance, of course, so by the time you read this it will be... Read More

A hardcore finale for Music Month

Okay. Into the final straight of New Zealand Music Month. Being a month with five weekends I have two columns left: just as well as things are happening apace. I've... Read More

Exploring Shadow & Light…

Continuing to celebrate New Zealand Music Month, it's time to fill what has become a gaping hole in the column's recent content - no ‘Shadow & Light'. Which... Read More

Beatniks, turkeys and MetroGnomes

We're about one-third of the way through New Zealand Music Month - and thank you for asking, yes, there is a plan. It's pretty simple: write about the many shows... Read More

Band and Deliver for Music Month

There is a time for every season under heaven and currently it's time for New Zealand Music Month. I mentioned it last week and I hope to no one's great surprise... Read More