Once again there is a host of music on around town, so let's have a look at some of the bands you can hear
next week.
I have in the past complained about some local bands and their rather soporific approach to promoting themselves. I should have mentioned at the same time that there are also many outfits around the Bay whose media presentation (as well as music) is nothing short of excellent.
One example is Te Puke indie folk purveyor Brad Taylor, who goes under the name Redwood. To emphasise how a good promo kit has a positive effect I should mention that, when I reviewed Redwood's debut album last year, the first thing I thought when I looked over the stuff they sent was: 'Damn, this looks impressive, how come I haven't heard of these guys before?”
It does make a difference. It meant that I approached Redwood expecting to hear accomplished professionals (and I was not disappointed) instead of thinking: 'This is local and looks a bit cheap and dodgy, I wonder if it'll be any good?”

Reviewers are people too. Of course it's all about the music, but everything else has an impact on the frame of mind in which you listen. (Ever buy an album just because you liked the cover?)
But, as I say, it is all about the music, and I liked Redwood's music and their self-titled CD very much. Te Puke acoustic guitarist and singer Brad, who has a diploma in audio engineering, recorded it in his kitchen on a kiwifruit orchard. Since then he has spent a fair amount of time touring, with Matthew Pickering in 2007 and solo in 2008. Redwood have also played or toured with Teacups, Stormbird, Ivy Rossiter and others.
The music Brad plays is laid-back and very intimate, the same general area as the likes of Iron And Wine and other new folk revivalists. Redwood can be heard at the Orange Zephyr (Wharf Street) on Friday 7 November, kicking off at 8.30pm.
However, I've become somewhat chronologically-challenged while writing this so now let's go back to the previous night (Thursday 8 November), when a whole host of music is on offer down at The Colosseum (Harington St) during what will be the final Plug & Play night for the year. These are nights where musicians share their music for free, so there is no ticket price.
Kicking off is a group not a million miles away from the indie folk of Redwood, though the acoustic trio have a rather more poppy take and even a hint of jazz thrown in. They are Matt Bodman and the Valentine Grind. You can hear some of their music on MySpace. Matt is an accomplished songwriter who used to be a regular at these nights until he moved to Auckland some time back. He's well worth watching.
As is Derrin Richards. Derrin was the originator of Plug & Play but is primarily a great guitar player (who doubles on mandolin and banjo amongst other stuff). He is especially adept at using his varied and melodic playing to spice up the work of local singer/songwriters, including Kim Ward and John Michaelz. But, more than just being a 'guitar for hire”, Derrin is also a talented songwriter in his own right, with his lyrical subject matter being typically deep, and more often than not dark. At this Plug & Play he promises to debut some new material written over what he says can only be described as an 'interesting and challenging” year.
The third acoustic act for the night is Hans Laven (brother of ex-Blarney Boy, Robbie). Always promising a lively set, he is a confident guitar player and singer and has become a Plug & Play regular, although his last performance was cancelled due to laryngitis.
And that leaves two bands, both of them making their first appearance at Plug & Play. Stuntman are an indie rock band mixing local musicians with an Aucklander. I don't know much about them, but the have a song about Husker Du, which can only be a good thing. Closing the night is a blast of heavy metal from Puppeteer, who cite both Metallica and Megadeth as influences. You can't get any clearer than that!