Christchurch Folk Music Club
All Girl Big Band
1st July 2018
A night where the audience was treated to a fantastic display of exceptional musicianship. One of the attendees asked ‘where else in the world would you have got such top entertainment for $10 or $15? no where, it was an outstanding show’. That it was, an awesome night where the All Girl Big band took the stage and owned it. The joy of their craft shone through, the respect for each other was evident, the sounds spellbinding, so much that those in the room were often enchanted by the performance. The applause said it all, genuine appreciation for a fabulous night. There was a standing ovation, that called for an encore.
Even those these women had given as there all over two mesmerising hours they gave us a number to rock home on with ‘All the Single Ladies’. The room was abuzz with energy, at the conclusion of the night the musicians were in hot demand as people took the opportunity to share their gratitude and appreciation. Accolades were deserved as the all the girls gave us their all. Kate Taylor, stood out, her professionalism and vocal abilities outshone her cold, Kate didn’t let her head cold stand in the way she delivered with power and vibrancy.
The magnetic Lana Law led with a vim of energy that was eye catching, her clear directions to the band ensured the night flowed seamlessly and the interplay with Kate jovial and light-hearted. It was obvious from the applause that the smooth and sultry sax siren Rachael Travaille’s solos were esteemed as stand outs. There were many individuals that stood out, all the same it was the combination of so many truly talented professional musicians that surpassed the ordinary it was a concert where the whole was made great by the all. Yes there were moments when a frown or a smile followed a foible, however the extraordinary show carried on.
From the conception of the All Girl Big Band idea in January 2016, the three years has developed and cemented the awe-inspiring role in the Christchurch music scene. The concentric waves of sound have spread out across the city consistently drawing crowds of followers and fans. From the first public performance at ARA, where a standing ovation was an indicator a bright future, this advantage point continues to be fulfilled. The pleasurable explosion of sound we experienced will have been another encore performance to fully secure a place in many hearts once again.
By Judi Smitheram, Secretary
More Reviews
Fingerpicking Delights VIII, 3rd December 2023
Neill Pickard as compere added that sparkle of professionalism, great notes to follow, clear about the direction of the night, and had interesting recitative to entertain the audience during stage set ups. Neil thanked Tony Hale, the co-ordinator of the evening, for a...
Andrew White, supported by Isabella Miller Bell – 7 May 2023
A night where travel and love were the themes of the original music ably shared by both Andrew and Izzy. The concert was appealing, full of musical maestro thrills, spectacular finger style sequencing on the guitar by Andrew who could make this instrument sing,...
Suzanne Lynch, Graham Wardrop and Liz Braggins – 21 May. 2023
The first show for the newly formed trio of Suzanne Lynch, Graham Wardrop and Liz Braggins. What a successful night it was, a sold-out audience, three fabulous musicians in their own right combining their immaculate skills to make a powerful force of dynamism and...
Ngā pou taonga puoro o Aotearoa NZ Music landmarks: special songs – 28 May 2023
Music taonga was promised and that is what was surely delivered. A night where the performers made passionate choices of their favourite songs and gave passionate performances. Winning local talent, award winning songs, all made this a winning night. Opening the night...
The Ferris & Guest Musos Show 5 – 2nd April 2023
A night of music gifted to a responsive, engaged audience filled with supporters and family. There were ten musicians gracing the stage with their sizable talents, sharing the limelight, in a well planned and themed series of memories that played out on instruments...
The Wax Birds: beautiful harmonies and songs, 5 March 2023
From their opening lines, The Wax birds, a couple in music and life, engaged, both with the audience and between each other there was chemistry of enjoyment and trust. A delight to see this energy shine onstage, giving them an air of allegiance, which gives those...
Braggins & Wardrop & Dunne, alas last show Sunday 12th March 2023
All the feedback heard last night was positive, the concert was so enthusiastically enjoyed and treasured. The audience was buzzing after the music finished, the room was alive and contagious for the passion shared by the performers, telltale signs of a fabulous...
The Ferris & Fellow Muso Show 4: Sunday 29th May
The Ferris Blarney Band passionately performed tunes from their Irish heritage from traditional footstompers to classics from the Pogues & Dubliners and many other Irish favourites. The show is the first of a series of 'unplugged performances' put together by...
Wahine Auaha Celebrating Creative Women, Music & Art
Wahine Auaha Whakanui: Celebrating Creative Women 18 Sept 2022 This event celebrated creative women’s artistic achievements with a concert, art show, and video. Offering entertainment that highlighted women artists, both in musical and visual arts. The Folk Club...
Braggins and Wardrop and Dunne 15 May 2022
Three highly regarded musicians Elizabeth Braggins - piano, vocals Graham Wardrop - guitar, vocals Mary Dunne - guitar, vocals formed the trio "Braggins and Wardrop and Dunne " Exuberance and joy come together when this trio performs, from the beautiful close...