Christchurch Folk Music Club
Back Porch Music
Reviewed By Larry Milnes
I noticed in a review in the previous Hear Ye that the reviewer closed with the postscript “If you love music don’t flog it off the net” and while I agree with this, a positive by-product of this digital technology is that CDs seem to be being produced with fewer ‘filler’ tracks. It’s given the music industry a much needed shake up and stronger albums seem to be a result. This must make it harder for artists who don’t have a lot of material, but in the case of Over the Rhine this doesn’t seem to be a problem. The husband and wife team of Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler have written 20 of the 21 fine songs on offer here.
I’ve had this CD on high rotation now for a few months and it seems to grow with each playing. The general feel is alt country deeply infused with gospel. The songs are lyrically strong, diverse in style and instrumentation, ranging freely across the Ohio landscape from the stripped down piano/vocal of the title track, to 12/8 blues of “Fool” and on to the funked up groove of “Fool Number One”. Truly music for the mind, body and soul.
Karin Bergquist’s voice is a fine instrument with a wide range and full tone. This is augmented but not overpowered by guitars, keys, piano, bass, drums and tasty but not overdone pedal steel guitar – all used in various combinations.
This album was released in 2003 so no doubt many of you are enjoying it already. If not, give it a whirl and see what you think.
Good listening and listen good.
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...
Two’s Company, twice the value with two sets of performers
Two couples, two eclectic sets, twice the enjoyment and diversity. Christchurch duo Anna and James Cull opened the night with smooth harmonies, covers and original songs that showed their years of performing together and knowledge of the songs shone a bright beacon of...