REVIEW: Ginger Brown

GINGER BROWN
SANDWICHES
FRIDAY 20 JULY
Words and Photo's by Charlette Hannah

Ginger Brown

Joe Dobson

Lawrence Taula

After seeing Ginger Brown at Sandwiches on Friday, I started to kick myself for not having made the effort to see them play before. From the very first note, you can tell this is expertly crafted music, which is truly unique in this world of music where everyone likes to think they are doing something different. Not that they don't have obvious and strong influences, from 50's rock 'n roll, French inspired carnivalesque, 70's psychedelia, to today's rock. Somehow they manage to pull it all together and create something quite wonderful.

Sandwiches as a live band venue is a little odd - the stage seems quite small, and it is hard to see the performers unless you're right at the front. However in the case of Ginger Brown, it didn't matter too much, as they filled up the venue with their curious music.

Don't get the wrong idea. The 'curious' element to the music is an additional bonus to the pure listenability of the band. It's not an inaccessible musical ego trip. The songs are catchy, driven, melodic and dynamic.

Joe Dobson is a very interesting and creative drummer, and pounds the drums with force as well as pulling back and playing clever beats. His playing perfectly compliments Lawrence Taula's Hammond organ playing and fantastic vocals. Guest guitarist Matthew Armitage filled out the sound and line up.

I would highly recommend a visit to a Ginger Brown gig, it's well worth it.

Ginger Brown's MySpace

COMING SOON

Coming soon on Wellington Live Music...

Photo's and reviews of: Liam Finn, Ginger Brown, Hannah Curwood, Simon Comber.
Interviews with: Anika Moa, Nine Signals.
Photo's of random buskers...
And more!

BAND REVIEW: Niko Ne Zna

NIKO NE ZNA
Wednesday 20 June
By Lucy Wyatt

Isn’t being totally detached from your everyday reality something that appeals to most? Listening to Niko Ne Zna allows for exactly that to happen. It’s easy to forget where you are when you listen to these hypnotic melodies. It’s like being dropped amongst the hot and spicy lands of a country far away - to a place where you can free yourself with these infectious and wild beats that take their influence from the gypsy-soaked Balkan States.

The creative talents that make up Niko Ne Zna are 7 artists who are also members of Zirkus, Ginger Brown, The Black Seeds, The Offbeats and the Porirua Brass Band. Their passionate imaginations and freethinking creativity results in an extravagant party band that unearths the folk treasures of afar. The selection of trumpets, sax, trombone, accordion, tuba, drums and percussion pull together to create an energetic and much appreciated rhythm. Enhancing the freedom within this music, come the laughs, shrieks and general cheers from the band. The audience comes away from a gig feeling thoroughly entertained.

Originally a covers band (comically belting out such tracks as the James Bond theme tune), Niko Ne Zna’s actual tracks are masterfully produced. Often beginning with a methodic build up, then breaking into a joyous ruckus. The folk come jazzy vibe encourages even the shyest dancer to get involved – no doubt with the addition of a cheeky grin. Niko Ne Zna promises a truly inspiring show. Get immersed in the rich history of the other side of the world. Brush away your serious side, lift up your jug of beer and have a proper dance. You can always have a sing-along – If you speak Serbian.

REVIEW: Ginger Brown

GINGER BROWN
MONDAY 11 JUNE
By Lucy Wyatt

Picture a world of 60’s psychedelia fused with dixie, 50’s rock n roll, carnival, layered over with modern rock, this is the enchanting, quirky world of Ginger Brown. Lawrence Taula (organ/vocals) and Joe Dobson (drums), make up the eclectic duo that are Ginger Brown.

Taula and Dobson are onto something new with their compelling, raw style resulting in an eccentric musical experience. Their combined energy is unrelenting. It’s intense. Your auditory senses are repeatedly satisfied as Ginger Brown successfully reaches that ever-elusive dynamic climax. There’s nothing predictable here. The tracks are tight and strong. Each possesses an original identity.

There’s no shortage on talent. Their core vibe is an influence of both experience and risk. They want to do what no one else is doing. The fluid sound of Tuala’s Hammond organ shapes each track. Dobson’s confidence is truly evident on the drums. Together they inject a solid structure to their music.

“This Ship” is a noble track with a catchy tone that disguises a myriad of levels. “Madison Garden” with its vivacious energy is a true crowd pleaser. It’s hard not to dance to this one. Another track that warrants an animated jig is “Kiss Me Goodnight”. This is where Tuala’s voice demonstrates his exceptional range.

The poetic lyrics are often narrative and sometimes cryptic. The speed of the tracks ranges from frantic to a serene calm. There are certainly plenty of surprises. “Boston Dance” is an instrumental delight, demonstrating Ginger Brown’s depth and their fearless talent. Their live shows have left crowds enlightened and thoroughly entertained.

There is no doubt in my mind that Ginger Brown’s unique sound is responsible for their ever-increasing fan base, which like them, will only continue to expertly thrive. Ginger Brown takes me on an intriguing voyage. Each of their tracks is like a new fix released at a medicated rate – they keep you wanting more.

Ginger Brown Wellington Tour Dates.

23.06.07 12am @ The Matterhorn, Wellington

29.06.07 8pm @ Tupelo, Wellington

27.07.07 10pm @ Bodega, Wellington

04.08.07 12am @ The Matterhorn, Wellington

GIGS: Cherry's Gemstones and more

Some gigs coming up. Sent to me by Cherry. Just as a note, the plan is to have the best gig guide out on Wellington Live Music. There are loads of other plans in the works as well, so keep checking back. If there's something you think we should do, post a comment or email me!

THURSDAY 31 MAY

- Valve
Fanucman and House of Spore

- San Francisco Bathhouse
Bonnie Scarlettes and Grand Prix

SATURDAY 2ND JUNE

-San Francisco Bathhouse
Vacants (Hamilton) PLUS OTHERS!

FRIDAY 22ND JUNE

-San Francisco Bathhouse
Cortina, Cherry's Gemstones, Hot Swiss Mistress, Knife Fight, Pumice, PLUS 5 MORE

SATURDAY 23 JUNE

- Mighty Mighty
Labretta Suede and the Motel Six CD RELEASE PARTY

FRIDAY 29TH JUNE

-Wellington City Art Gallery
Cherry's Gemstones, Cortina and Vjettes

- Tupelo
Ginger Brown, Twinset, Chery Gemstone Solo

FRIDAY 13TH JULY

- The Adelaide
*Enchantment Under The Sea*
Chesea's Gemstones, Sea Cruizer, Heavy Sea Turkey, Sea Quest

SATURDAY 14TH JULY

-Mighty Mighty
Wild Trash Rockabilly Party