REVIEW: Timothy Blackman

TIMOTHY BLACKMAN
HAPPY BAR
FRIDAY 14 SEPTEMBER
Words and Photo by Charlette Hannah


Arriving from Auckland just in time for his gig with Matthew Holleman, ex-Wellingtonian Timothy Blackman strode up on stage with his strapping frame and small guitar, and proceeded to tune with a pitch pipe. I decided I liked him. Sometimes people get so bogged down with fancy equipment and the professional image that it takes someone like Tim to come along and remind us what it's about. Which is music of course. But it's also about having fun and connecting with people, and this is something Tim does pretty darn well.

It wasn't a case of non-stop banter, but I still got an impression of strong humour, and someone who was there to have fun rather than sell CD's. Some of the guitaring was pretty simple, but it was more than made up for by his powerful voice. Vocal delivery was interesting; after one unusual song he admitted "got a bit silly there". Tim is certainly not your standard singer/songwriter.

All in all, it was tuneful and interesting, and a pleasure to watch.

Visit myspace.com/timothyblackman

REVIEW: Johnny Corker

JOHNNY CORKER
HAPPY BAR
THURSDAY 23 AUGUST
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

It was a real family affair at Happy on Thursday, with Tim Beals and his sister Holly, and then Johnny Corker performing with his partner Julie Thompson. It’s always interesting to see the way solo or duo acts create dynamics, and Johnny and Julie did it in an unusual way, with Julie playing a cello as the second instrument.

Sometimes plucking the strings as a bass line, and sometimes playing it with a bow, creating a melancholic monotone, Julie complemented Johnny’s confident and smooth folky voice and guitar playing. Johnny used his new tremolo pedal often and to good effect.

Julie’s voice probably wouldn’t be strong enough to lead, although she could have been holding back, but it was lovely for backing vocals. The music was almost too soft and sweet at times, but so charming and easy to listen to.

They moved on to some more upbeat songs later in the set, and Johnny’s gentle humour pervaded the whole performance. They were down from Auckland for the Wellington release of Johnny Corker's self titled album.

REVIEW: Ragamuffin Children and Rosy Tin Teacaddy

RAGAMUFFIN CHILDREN
ROSY TIN TEACADDY
HAPPY BAR
SATURDAY 11 AUGUST
Words by Martin Johnson

So, when you head down into the bunker of Happy, theres always the feeling of entering another world, expectations of music that doesn't necessarially conform to your usual constraints. Saturday night there was a step back to some times that may not have existed. First off Rosy Tin Teacaddy took the stage, with Billy in particularly good form... perhaps that wasn't tea in his cup, in fact we can confirm that, and like the couple they are, or aren't for that matter, Billy gently harangued Betty between songs with the comfortable space of days over the kitchen table sitting between them. Whether it's a fiction or not, an embellishment perhaps of Betty & Billys life, there's more to this music than two performers on stage, stepping out as they do clad in the residue of another decade & another time in a seaside cottage. The harmonies that Billy & Betty achieved were rather lovely too, give or take a few false starts and extended middles, a digression or two, all adding to the charm

Ragamuffin Children were up next & they looked like they'd fallen out of the Northwest of Califoria some time around 1969, with the particular charm they exude on stage based on a vagueness in their performance. Along with the more serious material, they break things up with singalong tunes about aliens and stories about a dog who will howl along. All very low key and intimate, plus they were on the teapot as well, and this time it really did seem to be tea they were drinking. Nice. The boy they called upon to play clarinet got a cup as well, and he seemed pleased about that. Tea folk, it could be the new rock & roll....

REVIEW: The Matt Langley Band

THE MATT LANGLEY BAND
HAPPY
SATURDAY 28 JULY
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Matt Langley

Matt goes solo

Hometown Records founder Dylan Galletly and Matt Langley

The band

The show started gently, with a slow acoustic riff, sparse bass notes and harmonica. Gradually the band built up, and launched into a solid country rock groove with Moving On. Matt Langley was in fact the first act I ever reviewed for Wellington Live Music, and I liked the music right away. Months later, with the band fuller and tighter, and an EP, Lost Companions, recently released, it's even better.

My personal favourite is the upbeat country rock song Cry Johnny Cry, but Matt shows his depth of emotion and skill in writing in other songs, such as Sometimes Love Is Not Enough. His voice is smooth and full, but with a slight gravelly edge to it which brings to mind great rock singers.

The sound filled the venue, people were up and dancing, and it was the biggest crowd I've seen at Happy yet. I would have liked to hear a bit more keys in the mix, and for while my view was blocked by dancers, but that's not really anything to complain about.

The band took a break after the first set and left Matt on the stage to do a couple of mellower solo songs, after which they returned for a second, shorter set. I think Matt could really go a long way with his music, and I don't like to make such predictions often.

REVIEW: Rosy Tin Teacaddy

ROSY TIN TEACADDY
HAPPY
SATURDAY 28 JULY
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Betty Grey

Billy Earl

I was lucky enough to arrive in time for the last few songs of Rosy Tin Teacaddy's set. Opening for Matt Langley and band, Rosy Tin Teacaddy were not only dressed deliciously, they even had a tea set on stage with them. I like it when musicians dress nicely. It's like giving the audience respect, and saying thanks for coming to watch us. The super cute Betty Grey was a particularly refreshing contrast to the general dress code of jean's and t'shirts.

But enough about that. The music is even better. Mixing between two vocals, two guitars and harmonica, Rosy Tin Teacaddy created quite a dynamic between them. Vocally flawless, and with gentle melodies, Rosy Tin Teacaddy are an altogether lovely experience.

I'm afraid I can't say much more, as I only caught a few songs, but I believe they're playing support for Ragamuffin Children at Happy on August 11, and I'll be there!

GIGS: 19th - 25th July

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

THURSDAY 19TH JULY

- Bar Bodega
World Battle of the Bands Heat 2
Alpha Noise, Fiin, Mota, Colonel Mustard

- Matterhorn
The 202's. 9.30pm.

FRIDAY 20TH JULY

- Tupelo
Ghost Dubs, Strictly 138, Kaps, Steppa D, P-Vans, M.Tekka. $5 8pm.

- Happy
Hannah Curwood and Simon Comber. 8pm.
Infinite Flying Kick, Decortica, Vorn, Hot Swiss Mistress. $10 10pm.

- Sandwiches
Liam Finn, Ginger Brown

- Bodega
Residue

- Valve
The House of Capricorn, Vatikan, Amarna, Demon Foetal Harvest, Gary Churr & The Beers. $10 9pm.

- Old Studio 9
The Pinkertons, The Philosophers, Harris MacKenzie Boock, DNA. $5 All Ages 7.30pm.

- Havana
DJ Takkas.

- Matterhorn
The Jewel School. 10pm.

SATURDAY 21ST JULY

- Valve
TT Ryder, Cynical Ploy, Forgotten Warriors, Muzzleglow. $5 Doors 9pm, start 10pm.

- Subnine
Crossings Festival
Big Bada Boom, DJ El-Amein-Ji, DJ Ajnabee, MC KthrNak, MC Pundit, MC Mantra. $10. Doors 9pm, start 10pm.

- Blue Note
Infinite Flying Kick, Decortica. $10 8pm.

- Sandwiches
Rhombus with local guests and DJ's. Tickets $20 +bf from sandwiches.co.nz or Real Groovy. R18 10pm.

- Happy
Ryan McPhun and the Ruby Suns, Holiday With Friends, Girlfriend.

- Underground Arts
The House of Capricorn, Wrath, Aethea, Vatikan, Morte Vida. $10 Doors 7pm.

- Bar Bodega
The Offbeats.

- Havana
Sons of Puha.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
The Little Bushmen. 9.30pm $20 +bf presales from Real Groovy.

- Matterhorn
The Imperial Doppelgangers. 10pm.

SUNDAY 22ND JULY

- Matterhorn
The Skins feat. Money-D, The Yeabsley Key, Lisa Tomlins. 8:30pm.

MONDAY 23RD JULY

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

TUESDAY 24TH JULY

- Havana
Roberto Rodriguez.

WEDNESDAY 25TH JULY

- Valve
Colonel Mustard, Karaoke Taxi, Cop Car.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
So So Modern, This City Sunrise, Hectik Runz, Zitty, Cut Off Your Hands. All Ages.

- Sandwiches
Charmaine Ford, Nick Tipping, Richard Wise. Album Launch 9pm Free.

GIGS: 12th - 18th July

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

THURSDAY 12TH JULY

- Bodega
World Battle of the Bands Wellington Heat 1
Psycho Space Monkeys, Faster She Said and more.

- Sandwiches
Harbour City Electric. 9pm.

- Subnine
Riverblind, Muzzeglow, Barefoot In The Sand. 10pm $5.

- The Adelaide
The Ramps, The Randoms, Amos. Free.

-Valve
Omega Realm, Slaughtered Symphony, Evil Mule. 9pm.

FRIDAY 13TH JULY

- Bodega
The Stomps, Bastard Sons of Grey Power, The Randoms. 8pm.

- Underground Arts
Black Friday Massacre. 9pm $5.

- Old Studio 9
Charmed School Rejects, Left Handed Addiction, Too Many Jonnys, Twice On Thursdays. 7.30pm $5 All Ages.

-San Francisco Bathhouse
Bad Luck Ball Pt 3
Thumper, Horror Story, Black Chrome, Volcana, DJ Voodoo Savage, DJ Nightmare 666. 8pm $13.

- Sandwiches
Teebee (NOR) and Calyx (UK) & The Upbeats: Local support from Mr Smith, Indeks and Habit. Tickets $45 +bf from Real Groovy, Cosmic Corner, DMC and Sandwiches.

-Subnine
Concord Dawn, local DJ’s Sal and DDog. 10pm. Tickets $25 from Real Groovy and Cosmic Croner and $30 on the door.

- Valve
Fanucman, Punchbowl, Pink Flamingoes, Goodtimes.

SATURDAY 14TH JULY

- Sandwiches
Timmy Schumacher & MC Kyla. R18, $20 (+BF) presales.

- Old Studio 9
Alien 8, The Alpha Shift, The Stacks, Feiry Orchid. 7.30pm $5 All Ages.

- Bodega, Room 101
The Huhu.

- Valve
The Postures, Fanucman, Yokel Ono, The Dissentors, Captain Sergeant Major. 9pm $10.

- Mighty Mighty
Cherry's Gemstones. Wild Rockabilly Surf Marshan Madness. 9pm $10.

SUNDAY 15TH JULY

- Old Studio 9
Acoustic Afternoon. 2-5pm $5. With Barefoot In The Sand.

MONDAY 16TH JULY

- Southern Cross
Acoustic Pioneers.
Matthew Pixie Pickering and more. Koha entry.

TUESDAY 17TH JULY

- Valve
Seisure Drum N Bass 1/ NAR/CO/SIA, Evil and McSig'le

WEDNESDAY 18TH JULY

Are YOU playing in Wellington? Remember to send through your gig details to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com by Monday morning to have it listed here!

REVIEW: Lauren Thomson

SATURDAY 30TH JUNE
HAPPY
LAUREN THOMSON
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Lauren Thomson

Lauren with her husband Ben

For me, the stand out performer of the week was Lauren Thomson, down to visit us from Auckland. From the moment she first started singing, she had the audience captivated, and each of her songs are gems.

Starting off with a haunting melody and subtle guitar playing, she moved to a more upbeat country song, and at one point even threw in a cover of Landslide. However I think her originals were just as good if not better than the legendary Stevie Nicks.

Lauren's voice is beautiful and engaging, and full of dynamics. It was very sweet when she asked her husband Ben up on stage to sing harmonies with her, and explained that the song, Our Love Is Due, was written about him just before they got together. Lauren has a glow about her, which is refreshing to see in a city where you come across so many world weary faces.

In all honesty, I didn't want to move for even a moment to take photo's. Lauren really did cast a spell over the place, and it was the highlight of a very busy musical week for me. She's definitely one to keep an eye open for, and I believe her EP, Our Love Is Due, is coming out soon.

REVIEW: Achilles Botes and Shaun K Anderson

SATURDAY 30TH JUNE
HAPPY
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

ACHILLES BOTES

First up on Saturday night was Achilles Botes, accompanied by an impressive array of pedals, and even a tambourine which he tapped with his foot.

Achilles is one of those rare solo artists who actually manages to hold my attention for longer than two songs, which I'm always grateful for. There are so many solo artists around, and many of them are very good, but sadly (for I am even one of them) not all can really capture an audience and hold the stage with just themselves.

Achilles reminded me of The Eels, with a bit of Iron and Wine thrown in. But a little more sophisticated. He started off quite acoustic, and got rockier after a couple of songs, bringing in the loop pedal and other effects. He even sang in Greek! I'll definitely be on the look out to see Achilles play again.

SHAUN K ANDERSON

In all honesty, though I find it hard to say anything less than lovely about a singer/songwriter, I was a little underwhelmed with Shaun's set at Happy on Saturday. I'm wondering if perhaps Shaun is more of a recording artist. His quiet laid back songs also called to mind Iron and Wine, his guitar style is lovely, and his gentle, breathy voice is easy to listen to. However I did find myself getting a little bored, as it was quiet and there weren't a lot of dynamics.

REVIEW: Tim Knauf and Canadia

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE
HAPPY
TIM KNAUF and CANADIA
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

TIM KNAUF

Tim Knauf was the first act up on Thursday at Happy. His easy voice and guitar style were very pleasant to listen to, and he held the stage solo and cracked jokes between songs. Although the re-tuning of a 12 string got a little tedious, and the set lost a bit of momentum because of it, it was an enjoyable performance overall.

CANADIA

Half of Dunedin's Gestalt Switch, Canadia were just passing through Wellington and played second support for Sleepy Demons at Happy. Although the music was good, I have to confess that I was a little distracted by what seemed to be rather arrogant attitude on the part of singer Ashley Hinton. I've been assured that's he's not really like that, but I have to confess I don't really remember much about the music, as I just kept getting annoyed with the cockiness. I can say it was good in my humble opinion, but I'm afraid I just can't give any more details. Ashley did around eight songs by himself, and then was joined by guitarist Blair McPhee for another couple.

REVIEW: Sleepy Demons

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE
HAPPY
THE SLEEPY DEMONS
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Jake Walwyn and Jonathan McArthur

Jake

Jonathan

Jake, Jonathan, Hans Weston, Jim Gilbert

You wouldn't have guessed this was the Sleepy Demons' debut gig if you didn't know. The alternative pop/rock band have staggeringly good songs, bringing to mind Radiohead, Muse, and other such melodic rock bands.

Frontman Jonathan McArthur, songwriter extraordinaire, has a smooth and tuneful voice. Although he sometimes got lost in the mix when the rockier songs were played, he really shone in the more mellow ones. A better mix could fix all that and allow him to shine all the time!

Each musician stands out, from Jake's sometimes whimsical, sometimes rocking guitar, and Jim's strong bass lines. I might be a little biased, but the drummer Hans had a wide variety of percussion styles, and each matched with the song perfectly.

The reason Sleepy Demons really stands out is the solid musicality of the songs. They really are top quality, and I highly recommend these guys. They're playing Wednesday 11th July at Bodega - see you there!

GIGS: 5th - 11th July

THURSDAY 5TH JULY

- San Francisco Bathhouse
The Bleeders, Antagonist, Full Nelson. R18 $15 8PM.

- Bar Bodega
The Have, The Dukes, Fighting The Shakes, Tommy Ill. 8pm $10 presales from Ticketek.

- Sandwiches
The Taliband, Harbour City Electric. 10pm.

- Subnine
Matt Holleman, Rikki Doolan, Shaun K Anderson, Kathryn Baker. $5 9pm.

- Tupelo
The Moon Whispers. 9.30pm Koha entry.

- Happy
The Nigel Patterson Trio

FRIDAY 6TH JULY

- Old Studio 9
Rubix Cuba (early show before Bodega later), Single Strand, Tender Groove, Cross Eyed Mary. $5 7pm All Ages.

- Bar Bodega
Rubix Cuba, The Offbeats. $10 10pm.

- Valve
Fallen Order, Agent, The Alpha Shift. R18.

- Happy
The Ramps, The Randoms. 10pm.

- Flashbacks Bar and Grill
Masters of Metal feat. Magnum Opus.

- The Adelaide
Neckstretchers, Man Alone, Highlords.

- Happy
Pumice, Sunken. 8pm.

SATURDAY 7TH JULY

- Old Studio 9
The Randoms, The Stomps, The Lucky Strikes. $5 8pm All Ages.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
dDub, Pacific Bass Culture. 8pm.

- The Adelaide
Plastic Kitchen.

- Sandwiches
Electroluxxe, Samari, Perspex, Techead, Rex, D'Nation, Moneytree. Midnight. $15 on door, $10 with active card.

SUNDAY 8TH JULY

?? Are YOU playing? Remember to send your gigs through to wellingtonlivemusic@hotmail.com to have it posted here!

MONDAY 9TH JULY

??

TUESDAY 10TH JULY

-Bar Bodega
Beats and Bubbles feat. Johnathon Crayford.

- Vic Uni
Rubix Cuba.

- Matterhorn
Beatnik feat. Lisa Tomlins, Moana Ete. 9pm Koha.

WEDNESDAY 11TH JULY

- Bar Bodega, Room 101
Sleepy Demons, Charlette Hannah, Fanucman. $5 8pm.

- Southern Cross
Iva Lamkum Band. 10pm Free.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Acoustic Lounge - Tony MacIver, Joe Ryan, Clint Meech. 6-8pm Free.

GIGS: 28th June - 4th July

THURSDAY 28TH JUNE

-Happy
Sleepy Demons, Canadia, Tim Knauf. 8pm $5.

- Bodega
Das Ben, Kereoke Taxi, Smelter. 9.30pm.

-Valve
Death Metal - Select and Disect, Morte Vida, Belligerance. 8pm.

- Tupelo
Nine Signals. 9pm $3.

FRIDAY 29TH JUNE

-Old Studio 9
Vatikan, Select and Disect, Beligerance. 8pm $5.

- Sandwiches
Spartacus R, Ryan Prebble, DJ Daimon, Rosco, Jake Silverbeat, Takas. $10.

- Havana
Good foot.

- Happy
Matthew Pixie Pickering, Brad Taylor, Jessie James. 8pm $5.
Grayson Gilmour, Date With Doom, Albert Williams. 10pm $10.

- Valve
Nine Signals, Magnum Opus, Malegra, Riverblind & Alpha Noise. 9.30pm $5.

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Gridlok, Conspiracy, Flaw, Snax, Ruckus, Evil, Narcosia, Mana, AG. 8pm

SATURDAY 30TH JUNE

-Old Studio 9
The Tweeks, The Philosophers, Killjoy, Monoxise Blonde. 8pm $5. All ages.

-Valve
Punk Show - Miss Conduct, We Dunno. 10pm.

- Happy
Lauren Thomson, Shaun K Anderson, Achilles Botes. 9pm $8.

- Curve Bar
Enter The Blue EP Release. Vanadis, Mr Smith, DDog, Indeks. 11pm $5.

- Valve
We Dunno, Cop Car. 6pm All Ages.

- Southern Cross
The Aviators. Free.

SUNDAY 1ST JULY

-Old Studio 9
Acoustic Afternoon. 2 - 5pm. All ages.

MONDAY 2ND JULY

?? Stay at home and have a cuppa?

TUESDAY 3RD JULY

- Valve
Seizure Drum n Bass - NAR/CO/SIA, Evil, Mc Sig'le. 10pm.

WEDNESDAY 4TH JULY

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Acoustic Lounge. F8, Barefoot In The Sand, Mannekin Thoughts. "American Independence Day! Get your fix of patriotic songs... May not be patriotic, but they WILL be songs!" 6pm. Free.

GIGS: Ritalin, Tommy Pickett and more

THURSDAY 14TH JUNE

-Happy 8pm $5
Charlette Hannah, Fanuc Man, Jeremy Brick, The Ramps

-Bodega 9pm Koha
Matthew Pixie Pickering, Dave Kempton

FRIDAY 15TH JUNE

- Old Studio 9 (All Ages)
Ritalin, Not Quite Right, Whispers for Warning, The Lucky Strikes

SATURDAY 16TH JUNE

-Mighty Mighty
The Aviators CD release party

-Subnine
The Offbeats, Skaface Claw, Freddy Fudd Pucker and more

SUNDAY 17TH JUNE

-Bodega
Rikki Doolan, Matt Holliman, Shaun K Anderson

MONDAY 18TH JUNE

-Southern Cross
'Acoustic Pioneer'
Tommy Pickett

I play tonight

Now for some shameless self promotion. Remember if you send me your gigs I will promote thme too, I just don't have time to go and look on everyone's myspace site or email everyone to ask.

WEDNESDAY 13 JUNE

-San Francisco Bathhouse
Charlette Hannah, Stephanie Casey and Kerry Logan. 6-8pm. Free!

THURSDAY 14 JUNE

-Happy
Wellington Music and Artists Social Club
Charlette Hannah, Fanuc Man, The Ramps, Jeremy Brick. 8pm. $5

GIGS: Nine Signals and more

WEDNESDAY 30 MAY

- Bar Bodega
The Gracious Deviants and Tommy Pickett
Gold coin entry. 8.30pm

THURSDAY 31 MAY

-Happy
Nine Signals, Captain Sergeant Major, Hannah's Son & Vade, Feelix Fielding.
You can get in free if you bring a flier from Slow Boat, have student ID, or are in a group of nine. But if you pay your $5 on the door you go in the draw to win a free EP.

- Bar Bodega
The Spines 9pm

FRIDAY 22 JUNE

-Zeal
Take Down Lucy (feat 7-String Orchestra), Whispers for Warning, Streetwise Scarlet.
8pm $5