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
An open letter from Dunedin
Okay Canterbury... Now you've done it. This was supposed to be raid, for heaven's sake! This was war. But when we crossed the border between Otago and Canterbury what met us? Nothing! Where were the barricades? There weren’t any. We stopped off...
Compadres – James Keelahan & Oscar Lopez
At Al's Bar, 31/1/09 Reviewed by Gill Coe From the very first bars, you knew you were in for something special. The big Canadian with his beautiful baritone voice, paired with the sexy, bejewelled, Chilean with flying fingers and a delightful...
From a Winters Ledge – A Concert by Jon Hooker and James Wilkinson.
Reviewed by Jan Elliot You missed a great night of stringed instruments and perfect moments if you weren't at the club to absorb the fine performances of these consummate musicians. Actually feeling sorry for club members not in attendance is...
Johnny Possum’s Goodtime Hootin’ Band
Sunday 6th May - Reviewed by Geoff Anders Johnny Possums Good Time Hootin' Band. What a name. Someone obviously has a sense of humour. Finding a good name for a new band isn't always easy so is sometimes rushed and regretted. This one works...
Hera – at the Club – 17/9/06
Reviewed by Phillip Marshall Hera graced the stage with a quiet confidence and surety in her performance. Her extensive touring and recording was evident in the strong delivery of her songs. Hera’s Taylor 314CE cutaway guitar sounded bright and...
Graham Wardrop and Rosa Shiels
10th June 2007, by Geoff Skinner For those who ventured out to attend this concert on one of the coldest nights of the year, they were more than well rewarded by Rosa and Graham ready to entertain, and obviously loving this reunion of musical...
Emeralds And Greenstone
Concert In The Great Hall - 30 April, by Hamish Wilson. The ambitious project was the last in the "Jazz For Lunch" series , part of the Montana Jazz Festival 2006. The concept of this concert was to combine Maori and Celtic musical styles and...
Enda Kenny – Here and There (CD)
Review by Dave Hart This man has long been held in the highest regard as one of the finest singer-songwriters of our time. Enda’s songs give a very real view of where he stands and how he sees the world and the events in it. The songs in this...
Delgirl
Delgirl Review, Christchurch Folk Club, 12 October, 2008 The all-female Dunedin trio, Delgirl, played the Christchurch Folk Club on 12 October 2008 . This was the 29th performance of 29 on their two month New Zealand-wide tour. However, the...
Dave Hart & James Bowen
Club concert - 21 May, by Tony Kiesanowski With the evening billed as an English double feature, James "Bar" Bowen began by introducing us to his view of some of the world's characters he has come across in his travels. Reminiscent of the in...