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
Hobnail 25th Anniversary “Boots and All” Tour
14th July 2019 In 2019 Hobnail celebrate 25 years of touring far, wide, and tirelessly throughout New Zealand. To mark the occasion they are embarking on a national tour and releasing a “Best Of” album showcasing tracks taken from their 7 studio albums, we were lucky...
Love Notes, Women in Harmony
More Reviews
Jed Rowe, with Monique Aiken, 30 Sept 2018
The night opened with the returned to her home city after seven years proving her guitar and singing skills in the Wellington folk scene, was Monique Aiken Monique presented confidently bringing us her own songs eloquently crafted delivered with vocal...
Review: The Beggarmen Fundraiser Concert
Reviewed by Tony Hale The Christchurch Folk Music Club are piecing together the history of the club and the Canterbury Folk Festival. We look forward to uncovering new information about those that have shared the...
Best Enemies – 7 July 2019
Fellowship fostered by music has been to the fore over the past months at the Folk Cub as the club celebrated 50 years of live acoustic music in November 2018. Seeing the friendships and collaborations over that weekend was truly awe inspiring, a testimony to the...
Review of September Club Concert – the Christchurch Folk Music Club Visit
by Alison Pickford Tonight, we had a full house for the visit from the Christchurch Folk Music Club. Judi Smitheram, Secretary of the Christchurch club an MC for the evening, was introduced by Anna …and here, let’s acknowledge Ian Paterson, sound desk wizard who has...
Waimate Folk Festival, 31 May – 3 June 2019
Waimate Folk Festival at Gunns Bush, Waimate District, Canterbury from Friday 31st May to Monday 3rd June Where musicians both experienced and new from Christchurch, Dunedin, and everywhere in between and further afield. Came together for a weekend of music, dance and...
The Long and Short of it: Danny Tawhiti and Iain Mitchell
21st July 2019 We welcoming back Mitch (Iain Mitchell) to the Christchurch Folk Club, he has treaded our boards before, as well as being a hard working President and committee member of the club. Mitch has been singing British Celtic music semi-professionally since he...
The Muddy Mama Blues Band 26 August 2018
What a night we shared at the Folk Club on Sunday! From the moment the first few bars hit the air the audience was captivated by The Muddy Mama Blues Band. Lead singer Judi Smitheram showed great form, revelling in the mighty musicianship of her five-piece...
The Ceilidh Dance 16 Sept 2018
A cèilidh is a traditional Scottish or Irish social gathering, where dance and music is the binding factor. The dancers were certainly bound in joy for the dance and the Monday Night Session Band brought music that was dance-able and enjoyable. The delight...