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

More Reviews

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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,...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more

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...

read more