Review: Fly My Pretties in Hawke's Bay

FLY MY PRETTIES: New Zealand music at its best.

Fly My Pretties,
Black Barn Vineyards, Hawke's Bay, January 21
Reviewed by Astrid Austin

Surrounded by the vines of Hawke's Bay's Black Barn Vineyards, Fly My Pretties took the audience on a journey through sight and sound.

It was a two-part journey exploring the various incarnations that have come to be Fly My Pretties, with offerings from their latest album; String Theory, among others.

With an all-star line-up, featuring the best of what Kiwi muisc has to offer, frontman and musical director, Barnaby Weir was joined by core members Mike Fabulous, Jarney Murphy, Nigel Patterson, Iraia Whakamoe, James Coyle and Ryan Prebble, as well as a number of new faces.

Power-house voices Tiki Taane, Laughton Kora, Bailey Wiley, Ria Hall, A girl named Mo, Miloux and our very own Ills Winter did not dissapoint, showcasing the country's outstanding crop of singer-songwriters.

"We are one in the same. Even though you might be lighter skin, darker skin, yellow skin, red skin, what have you, we are one in the same, and at the end of the day our blood is red that runs through our veins....."

Those words resonated among the crowd as the ringing of the backing instruments grew louder until it hit a crescendo and Ria Hall's words transformed into song, with layered vocals in English and Maori.

This is a group that emphasises the opportunity for us to come together as one nation and one people.

There is no denying that the 14-piece collective brings an intellectual flavour to the music scene, with a collective social conscience towards issues that affect individuals, the nation and the world.

With their own unique styles and personalities that all blend into one strong act, and their passion for their art at the forefront of what they do, it is no wonder the group has made a name for themselves in the country.

Judging by Saturday night's performance, there are bigger and better things in store for Fly My Pretties.