Homecoming for four-piece band

A first gig on the road for Wellington four piece band Hottie will also be a homecoming for some of its members.

Keys player Sanji Gunasekara is a Whanganui ex-pat while bassist Caz Bartholomew and guitarist Chris Moses have played at the Savage Club Hall before as a duo. Hottie are the guest band at the Whanganui Musicians' Club this Friday.

"It is exciting to hit the road, definitely," Bartholomew said. "It's such as special place and everyone is so hospitable."

Formed a little under a year ago, Hottie have been honing their blend of blues, jazz, funk, reggae and soft rock.

In among gigs at Southern Cross in the capital and in Otaki, they have have been busy writing new material.

"We're looking to record and release an EP at least by the end of the year. It's a really exciting time for us. We had a practice yesterday and we're sounding tighter than ever."

Bartholomew encouraged Whanganui music fans to get out and support the Musicians' Club.

"We do original music and it's all really tasteful and easy listening," she said. "It's a variety of genres. It'll be a good night and people should get there early for the other musicians."

Hottie are at the Whanganui Musicians' Club, Savage Club Hall, Drews Ave, on Friday at 7pm and entry is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.