Christchurch Folk Music Club

Back Porch Music

Reviewed By Larry Milnesover_the_rhine

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.

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...

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Bottlelake Junction

Christchurch's newest Celtic-Bluegrass Band, Bottlelake Junction wowed the audience with some awe inspiring music by three musicians individually accomplished and together they were dynamic. This trio emerged from the Canterbury Folk Festival...

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Joel Fafard releases his ‘Fowl Mood’ CD

13 March, 2018 Joel features on the cover of the current ‘Hear Ye’, maybe not as prestigious as the cover of the “Rolling Stone” however a real kudos statement for our club. Joel certainly met the challenge with his performance on Sunday night....

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Graham Wardrop and Roger Lusby

A night when two Otago raised lads brought their well-founded and honed skills to a Christchurch stage, amidst a room filled with anticipation and a full audience. If there was expectation in the air for a fantastic night of entertainment,...

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The Squirrelly Bills & Gary Elford

25th March 2018 Like the phoenix rising from the ashes this night shone with the changed billing. Due to unforeseen circumstances The Squirrelly Bills stepped up from their support act role and covere3d the first half of the night with Gary...

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The Port Hillbillies

27th May 2018 The Port Hillbillies concert marked the end of a joyous union of four talents that met majorly through Christchurch Folk Club connections. Kris Brown on guitar has taken the opportunity of a ‘dream job’ and will be returning to...

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Ferris Family and Friends

22nd April 2018 A night where the music soared with eagles wafted on the up draughts of some great music generated by a flock of Ferris family and or Ferris family friends. The evening promised and delivered a show with lots of variety, colour,...

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