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
Bottlelake Junction
Christchurch's newest Celtic-Bluegrass Band, Bottlelake Junction wowed the audience with some awe inspiring music by three musicians individually accomplished and together they were dynamic. This trio emerged from the Canterbury Folk Festival...
Dan Walsh combined ‘virtuoso playing and winning songwriting’
18th February 2018, Fresh from a nomination for BBC Folk Awards Musician of the Year and off the back of the busiest world tour of a successful career, Dan Walsh returned for a third trip to New Zealand, and his third to the Folk Club, to...
Alan Reid in Concert, guest artist 2018 Auckland Folk Festival
We heard him here first on 21st January 2018. On his way to the Auckland Folk Festival Alan Reid from Scotland of Battlefield Battle claim, shared his wealth of experience with us in the beautiful Addington Haven. Nearly fifty years of...
Alistair Brown – a well traveled Scottish singer & concertina
Alistair Brown has been singing the old songs, and new songs written by people who like the old songs, since he was fifteen years old. He began his career helping out in the folk clubs of his native Scotland during the folk revival of the 60s,...
Joel Fafard releases his ‘Fowl Mood’ CD
13 March, 2018 Joel features on the cover of the current ‘Hear Ye’, maybe not as prestigious as the cover of the “Rolling Stone” however a real kudos statement for our club. Joel certainly met the challenge with his performance on Sunday night....
Graham Wardrop and Roger Lusby
A night when two Otago raised lads brought their well-founded and honed skills to a Christchurch stage, amidst a room filled with anticipation and a full audience. If there was expectation in the air for a fantastic night of entertainment,...
The Squirrelly Bills & Gary Elford
25th March 2018 Like the phoenix rising from the ashes this night shone with the changed billing. Due to unforeseen circumstances The Squirrelly Bills stepped up from their support act role and covere3d the first half of the night with Gary...
The Port Hillbillies
27th May 2018 The Port Hillbillies concert marked the end of a joyous union of four talents that met majorly through Christchurch Folk Club connections. Kris Brown on guitar has taken the opportunity of a ‘dream job’ and will be returning to...
Ferris Family and Friends
22nd April 2018 A night where the music soared with eagles wafted on the up draughts of some great music generated by a flock of Ferris family and or Ferris family friends. The evening promised and delivered a show with lots of variety, colour,...
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...