Christchurch Folk Music Club
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 crooning his songs with a depth of subject, 
including international politics, mental health and of course personal relationships. The diversity was refreshing, portraying a young soul who considers the implications of life and then utilises his musical skills to share his perspective.
Then joined on stage by friend and fellow musician Josh Braden, the joy of music was evident as it was like watching puppies cavort as they intertwined their guitar playing as a dance, responding to each other with music and movement. It was a joy to see their comfort on stage together.
They owned the space, both using their vocal abilities to harmonise with lines that carried even though away from the mic. The contrast of voices was another highlight for the night. Matty’s gentle rasp intimately contrasted against the soaring tenor lilt of Josh, this worked so well together as the songs of Matty became alive with the two vocals.
A night enjoyed, showcasing two of Christchurch’s young musical talents, names to be watched for future career developments.
by Judi Smitheram Secretary
More Reviews
Two’s Company, twice the value with two sets of performers
Two couples, two eclectic sets, twice the enjoyment and diversity. Christchurch duo Anna and James Cull opened the night with smooth harmonies, covers and original songs that showed their years of performing together and knowledge of the songs shone a bright beacon of...
Fingerpicking Delights VII 2022 6th November 2022
Fingerpicking Delights VII Reviewed by Sarah Maindonald In ancient near Eastern and Israelite culture and literature, the number Seven communicated a sense of ‘fullness’. Tony Hale’s seventh rendition of ‘Fingerpicking Delights’ continued his tradition of excellence...
Wahine Toa, Concert celebrating women, music & art 19 Sept 2021
Wahine Toa ā Waihangatanga: Women Heralding Creativity Sunday 19th September 2021 A night heralding women and their creativity Art exhibited by Stephanie McEwin and Jude Rogers Poetry Sara Qasem Performance Lisa Tui, Steffany Beck, Saffron Sisters, Susan Leigh Grant...
Fingerpicking Delights VI
Fingerpicking Delights VI, 7 November 2021 Reviewed by Russell Dann Tony Hale’s sixth edition of Fingerpicking Delights began inauspiciously with a sound glitch which held up the start of the concert. Happily, all was soon well as the sound men expertly got...
Lindsey Shields: Singer/Songwriter from Dunedin
Lindsey Shields Dunedin based singer and songwriter with her own take on things personal and political, on topics as diverse as Harrison Ford brought her warmth to a cold night to warm the spirits of the audience. More Reviews
Graham Wardrop & John Wright, talented local singer songwriters
Friends, Graham Wardrop and John Wright gave a night of insightful songs, highlighting their personal creations as well as performing songs together. Some old, some new, lots of finger-pickin' It has been said that John Wright's a very good opener, team member on the...
BottleLake Junction – 21st March 2021
Thank you to everyone who turned up and supported BotteLake Junction at the Christchurch Folk Music Club concert. A full house is a true recognition of the esteem these three consummate musicians are held in, a great audience and a hard-working band is always a good...
The Lesser Bob Tits: Dames Do Dylan – 23 May 2021
This very special tribute concert, produced by Eileen Reid, brought tunes to commemorate and celebrate the 80th birthday of Bob Dylan. Bringing together a group of fabulous women from a range of musical backgrounds, Isabella Miller Bell, Susan Grant, Lynette Díaz,...
Hillbilly Hoedown – Barndance/Ceilidh 11th July 2021
Brought to you by Gary Elford, supported by the Port Hillbillies and Andrew Redepenning. The music was cheerful and lively, jeans and plaid adorned the room, Appalachian and Bluegrass rhythms intertwined with jigs, reels, polkas and waltzes, and the packed room...
Fingerpicking Delights V
Fingerpicking Delights V 8 November 2020 By Russell Dann The fifth edition in this concert series was a cracking good concert with great artists delivering superb music in a well-balanced programme. It was compered with engaging geniality by Izzy Miller Bell with...