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.
Adam McGrath
June 2018 There is an interwoven thread of connections between Adam McGrath and the Christchurch Folk Club spanning many years. He has previously performed at both the Folk Club and the Canterbury Folk Festival, and we hope to have him or The...
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...
The Secret Lives of Ukulele
24 June 2018 Rocking those ukuleles and cigar box guitars – throwing in bass and drums! Presenting with a rainbow mix of colour, all made for a kaleidoscopic extravaganza for the senses. The mood lighting enhanced the night; songs with water...
Eddie Simon – Music Accolades Over Many Years
Eddie Simon expressed his nervousness to me before he performed at the club. On reflection is truly a compliment, as this illustrates his care about the audience, their opinion and that his songs are important to him and his wish to have his...
The Two Jimmies (James Wilkinson and Jimmy Young)
A full-house that spanned the generations, with no seats to be had and a few in the crowd left standing, sums up the preperformance expectations for ‘The Two Jimmies’, James Wilkinson and Jimmy Young.
Trouble In The Kitchen
Club concert - 28 May, by Lorcan Bolster Trouble In The Kitchen are a young, Melbourne based, traditional Irish Music band and a damn fine band they are. Over here in NZ on their first overseas tour they are Ado Barker on fiddle, Ben Stevenson on flute,...
Simon Kerr
Review by Lynette-Diaz - July 20, 2008 New Zealand native, Simon Kerr, has been living in Australia for the past six months. Leaving his New Zealand band the Acoustic Junkies to go it solo in the big Melbourne pond. During his recent Folk Club...
Ruth Wyand – Review
Club concert - 23 April, by Isabella Miller Bell I really look forward to receiving the folk club magazine and reading through to see who's coming to town and who's doing what with whom these days. When I read that Ruth Wyand was to be...
Rural Delivery
Concert at Club Sunday 8 October, Reviewed by Margorie Mitchell With "just a desire to entertain" Rural Delivery succeed from every angle. A comedy night – with incidental music – was an understatement offered from one of the band during the...
Port Fairy Folk Festival – March 9th-12th, 2007
By Lance Risk If it is possible to have too much of a good thing, Port Fairy Folk Festival is just that for a hard core Festival haunting Folkie like me. It is like every New Zealand festival run over the same weekend. Set up six giant tent...