Christchurch Folk Music Club

Good Habits – 15 March 2020

There are times when with quiet dignity the unknown artists take the stage and hold my presence in the palm of their hand. Bonnie and Pete achieved this with compassionate decorum and a gentle understanding that what they were gifting us as an audience was truly resonate.

They have a sense of grace, however, don’t be misunderstanding that their sound lacked definition, there is great skill in performing subtly whilst still continuing the intensity to engage and draw in the audience, and this they did seemingly effortlessly. Through the contrasts of dynamics, tempos and alternating their songs between each of them as songwriters, this duet painted audio pictures rich with depth and layering.

There are times when with quiet dignity the unknown artists take the stage and hold my presence in the palm of their hand.

Bonnie and Pete achieved this with compassionate decorum and a gentle understanding that what they were gifting us as an audience was truly resonate. They have a sense of grace, however don’t be misunderstanding that their sound lacked definition, there is great skill in performing subtly whilst still continuing the intensity to engage and draw in the audience, and this they did seemingly effortlessly. Through the contrasts of dynamics, tempos and alternating their songs between each of them as songwriters, this duet painted audio pictures rich with depth and layering.

The graciousness of their skill was heart-warming, there was no blustering of self praise, they didn’t need to weave a spin of words as a recitative, their performance shone and spoke for itself as Bonnie and Pete worked alongside each other collaboratively, they made it look so easy. We all know that this belies the necessary prowess, however these were so evident.

This ease has a definite affect on the audience, the chance to relax and know we are in good hands, offers the space to enjoy. Which we unquestionably did, a great concert was enjoyed.

The graciousness of their skill was heart-warming, there was no blustering of self praise, they didn’t need to weave a spin of words as a recitative, their performance shone and spoke for itself as Bonnie and Pete worked alongside each other collaboratively, they made it look so easy.

We all know that this belies the necessary prowess, however these were so evident. This ease has a definite affect on the audience, the chance to relax and know we are in good hands, offers the space to enjoy. Which we unquestionably did, a great concert was enjoyed.

It is ironic that this concert was the last before lock-down, so one that holds lots of positive memories for me as it was certainly a long break between drinks and another opportunity to be in the same room as live musicians. We went out for the lock-down with great memories ringing in our ears thanks to Good Habits. We are certainly looking forward to hearing them perform again at the Canterbury Folk Festival again in November 2020.

Judi Smitheram, Secretary

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