Christchurch Folk Music Club
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 his old home place in USA, sadly leaving his well tuned musical connections here and looking to forge the same across the waves. It will be no surprise to hear that two of this quartet strongly influenced by Americana and Appalachian music hail from that region.
Both Kris and Justin Rogers on mandolin, were drawn to New Zealand for further education opportunities and have certainly found a niche here. Gary Elford on bass, originally form Australia adds that an age factor that has resourced many of the song choices to add a breadth of interest across genres and decades. The only Kiwi in the group is Steve Stern on banjo and harp, and of course the reciprocal of the legendary banjo jokes, usually timed for when Steve is tuning the instrument between most songs.
We were promised a night of tapping recognisable standards to the more obscure songs, and these promises were well fulfilled. The tunes were catchy, the harmonies solid and the musicianship shone through the like of Rocky Top; Copperhead Road, Caroline, I’ve just seen a face, Galway Girl, Shady Grove, Tear my still house down and 1952 Vincent Black Lightning.
The agility and ability of the instrumentals was never in doubt, the band has increased their repertoire to very capably fill a two hour show. The inclusion of some solos in the songs would add elements of contrast and diversity, offering the opportunity to showcase the individual talents of the band members.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening that certainly had us toe-tapping., congratulations to the Port Hillbillies for a well planned night that as an audience members appeared to run effortlessly.
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...