Flavia Coelho. PHOTO Kristin Nielsen
Taranaki's reputation as the country's energy capital took a different direction over the weekend. It's a pity that the on-stage energy at the annual WOMAD festival couldn't be fed into the National grid.
Brilliant sunshine across the weekend was the icing on the cake for New Plymouth's WOMAD.
Not only did the weather add to the occasion, but the organisers were blessed with the best attendance numbers since 2007, and although this was my first WOMAD, regular attendees confirmed that the variety and quality of music across five stages was also the best yet.
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Following advice, as you do, it pays to plan each day with military precision, so my experiences are purely personal, as I am sure is the case for every Womader.
Friday night's highlight for me was Brazil's Flavia Coelho, probably the most energetic singer I have ever seen, musically engaging and visually mind-blowing.
Legendary guitarist Richard Thompson showed why he has developed such a strong reputation over the last few decades.
The sound of his trio leapt between powerhouse and subtle, sometimes electric, sometimes acoustic, at all times compelling. My evening ended on another high note with Senegal ' s Youssou N'Dour, and a stage full of musicians, percussionists, back - up singers, guitarists, a classy sax and flute player. N'Dour enhanced his already stellar track record and had a huge audience in the palm of his hand.
Day two opened for me with the desert blues from Niger, a four piece lead by Tuareg guitarist Omara "Bombino" Montara, whose fretwork was fluid, fast and melodic. Next up, the father and son duo of Toumani and Sidiki Diabate, from Mali, their family's 71st and 72nd generations Kora exponents.
Their performance was sensational, and finished off by Sidiki, demonstrating a Hendrix like Kora work - out which brought the crowd to its feet. Italy ' s Canzoniere Grecanico Salentino were a fitting finale to my Saturday.
The 40 year old seven member acoustic ensemble, featuring the driving and hypnotic sound of the tamburello frame drum, overlaid with sublime violin, bouzouki, bagpipes, accordion, and a mesmerising dancer bringing new meaning to the term folk music.
Sunday dawned to more Taranaki sunshine and a clear view of the mountain overseeing WOMAD. I dipped in and out of the stages in the earlier part of the day and then soaked up an afternoon of Aotearoa magic with Trinity Roots.
On the back of their new album release Citizen it was a languid, mesmerising performance and a crowd favourite.
Jupiter and Okwess International hail from the Congo. Led by Jupiter Bokondji on guitar there's is an urgent, edgy, funky sound, with highly polotical and socially direct lyrics. The day's and weekend finale, Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club met my high expectations and more.
Cleverly mixed with on-screen historical visuals of earlier generations of Cuban legends, today's version of the Orquesta delivered a long set of faultless music. Their touchstone with their past, 85 year old diva Omara Portuondo, showed why she has been held in such high regard for generations.
Sure WOMAD is primarily about the music but it's so much more than that. The presentation and organisation is of the highest standard and the sights are the equal of the sounds.
If you haven't experienced a WOMAD yet plan for 2016 's event in what must be the International festivals most picturesque location, New Plymouth's Bowl of Brooklands.
"Like no other" sums it up.