Christchurch Folk Music Club
The Secret Lives of Ukulele
24 June 2018
Rocking those ukuleles and cigar box guitars – throwing in bass and drums! Presenting with a rainbow mix of colour, all made for a kaleidoscopic extravaganza for the senses. The mood lighting enhanced the night; songs with water theme were reflected with a blue hue as the stage was bathed in ultramarine.
This contrasted with the warm hues that spotlighted the front row singers; Emily and Paul, which had them shining in halos of warm colour that The Secret Lives of Ukulele jam packed and filled the stage to brimming, although without Annie, who was convalescing, the sound was solid and complex. There was contrast, firstly with the variety of songs, the lead changed in songs, with Emily, Paul, Carl and Lynden sharing lead vocals and the juxtaposition of Pete on blues harp leading another.
From their purely strumming beginnings there is now depth of dimension with some break-out leads on a ukulele, violin and cigar box guitar which all added to the interest of the night. The addition of the audience participation with ukes, voice and kinaesthetic arm movements added for participation and enjoyment, and it was rewarding to see that the dancing shoes were put to use at the end of the night when people got up and danced. Some coordinated people even managed to dance and play the ukulele at the same time, great to see.
The band first came to the attention of the Folk Club when they attended an open mic night three years ago. From thence on this group have built on their eclectic mix of choice covers and fresh originals and have been heard from north of Amberley to the Lauder Uke Festival in Central Otago. Regular busking gigs at the Lyttelton; Opawa, Sumner and Sydenham Markets, and guest spots at the Geraldine and Lauder Ukulele Festivals and, the Canterbury Folk Festival, as well as a mix of gigs at private functions have all given the band the opportunity to hone their performance skills and learn which songs are appreciated by an audience as well as build an expansive repertoire.
The night was a success and as promised a night where The Secret Lives of Ukulele certainly shook the music down, and the groove rocked the night.
By Judi Smitheram, Secretary
More Reviews
Monique Aiken and Ryan Fisherman 28.04.19
Two local young talented local musicians shared their music, their collaborations, the inspiration behind their creativity and most of all their love of performing. A night where the craft of singer-songwriting was truly to the fore, as Monique and Ryan both shared...
Women of Folk Concert 23-09-2018
A special concert to celebrate the important contribution that the women of folk have achieved. Music permeates our hearts carrying a strong message that has both challenged for change and acknowledged achievements to coincide with the Suffrage 125...
Colin Henderson and Jeff Bell 09.09.2018
Colin and Jeff brought their favourites to become our favourites. Jeff and Colin both respected musicians in their own rights joined forces to play a mixture of covers featuring songs from Bob Dylan to Adele. We were promised a laid back night and songs we could sing...
The Chaps, the final concert to mark the 50th Celbrations
The finale concert on Sunday 25th November 2018, to celebrate the Folk Club's 50th anniversary weekend, we welcomed The Chaps from Dunedin acknowledging the long supportive association that exists between the Folk Clubs in Christchurch and Dunedin. Since 1989...
Uke Nomad: Anu and Laurie- uke vibe and energy 24.03.2019
Uke Nomad Uke Nomad - Anu Grace and Laurie Bycroft, Australian kiwis at heart on their third tour of the south island are re-living the rich troubadour tradition of writing/storytelling and singing up the places, rivers and people they meet. The connections made over...
Beyondsemble – Back of Beyond Tour 04/03/2018
Back of Beyond generously gave a funky, folk, good fusion feel when they played at the Folk Club on Sunday 4th March 2018. With Craig Denham on accordion, piano, vocals and percussion, along with Nathan Torvik on guitar, vocals, bass and mandolin, and...
Folk Club 40th Birthday
Tracy Kolenchuk has made a pictorial record of the Folk Club's 4oth Birthday, and it is shared here: http://www.pbase.com/tracyk/2008_11_23_christchurch_folk_dance_music
Ryan Neville and the Midnight Blues Show Band 15/07/2018
An audience member commented that it was impossible to sit still with this fabulous music playing, they just had to stand up and dance. This summarises the night, music that offered toe tapping danceable grooves. Just back for a tour in USA the tight and...
Too Many Chiefs – 22/07/2018
I was pleased I went to Christchurch Folk Music Club on a cold Sunday night. 'Too Many Chiefs' are very good musicians. I enjoyed all their unique songs as each band member performed their own work. If you are like me and enjoy memorable lyrics go and see...
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...