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.
Monique Aiken and Ryan Fisherman 28.04.19
Two local young talented local musicians shared their music, their collaborations, the inspiration behind their creativity and most of all their love of performing. A night where the craft of singer-songwriting was truly to the fore, as Monique and Ryan both shared...
Women of Folk Concert 23-09-2018
A special concert to celebrate the important contribution that the women of folk have achieved. Music permeates our hearts carrying a strong message that has both challenged for change and acknowledged achievements to coincide with the Suffrage 125...
Colin Henderson and Jeff Bell 09.09.2018
Colin and Jeff brought their favourites to become our favourites. Jeff and Colin both respected musicians in their own rights joined forces to play a mixture of covers featuring songs from Bob Dylan to Adele. We were promised a laid back night and songs we could sing...
The Chaps, the final concert to mark the 50th Celbrations
The finale concert on Sunday 25th November 2018, to celebrate the Folk Club's 50th anniversary weekend, we welcomed The Chaps from Dunedin acknowledging the long supportive association that exists between the Folk Clubs in Christchurch and Dunedin. Since 1989...
Uke Nomad: Anu and Laurie- uke vibe and energy 24.03.2019
Uke Nomad Uke Nomad - Anu Grace and Laurie Bycroft, Australian kiwis at heart on their third tour of the south island are re-living the rich troubadour tradition of writing/storytelling and singing up the places, rivers and people they meet. The connections made over...
Beyondsemble – Back of Beyond Tour 04/03/2018
Back of Beyond generously gave a funky, folk, good fusion feel when they played at the Folk Club on Sunday 4th March 2018. With Craig Denham on accordion, piano, vocals and percussion, along with Nathan Torvik on guitar, vocals, bass and mandolin, and...
Folk Club 40th Birthday
Tracy Kolenchuk has made a pictorial record of the Folk Club's 4oth Birthday, and it is shared here: http://www.pbase.com/tracyk/2008_11_23_christchurch_folk_dance_music
Ryan Neville and the Midnight Blues Show Band 15/07/2018
An audience member commented that it was impossible to sit still with this fabulous music playing, they just had to stand up and dance. This summarises the night, music that offered toe tapping danceable grooves. Just back for a tour in USA the tight and...
Too Many Chiefs – 22/07/2018
I was pleased I went to Christchurch Folk Music Club on a cold Sunday night. 'Too Many Chiefs' are very good musicians. I enjoyed all their unique songs as each band member performed their own work. If you are like me and enjoy memorable lyrics go and see...
Matty Smith and Josh Braden, acoustic and harmonious
29 July 2018, A soft, acoustic approach for a night filled with the creativity of Matty's original songs to the fore and shining. There was contrast throughout the night. The night opened with the tones of the David Gray sound-alike Matty...