JAZZY: Laura Collins at the Tauranga Jazz Festival this year.
PICTURE / SUPPLIED
JAZZY: Laura Collins at the Tauranga Jazz Festival this year.
PICTURE / SUPPLIED
Laura Collins and the Back Porch Blues Band return to town on Sunday evening when the Whanganui Jazz Club holds its October meeting. We have to say 'back by popular demand' as last year's performance with the same lineup wowed our audience the whole night long.
'Jazzy' is defined in manyways with words such as bright, colourful, brilliant, striking, eye-catching, exciting, vibrant and lively. Laura and the band are all of that. There is no doubt that the main attraction is Laura's heart-felt interpretation of the repertoire, but the band that her singing inspires is a formidable quartet. All are long-time players on the Wellington and national music scene. Wayne Mason is a well-known singer songwriter and also one fine boogie piano player, 'firing it up' on their behalf. Think Fats Domino, think Dr John, think Professor Longhair and you'll be in the right honky tonk.
John O'Connor is a masterful, pedal-free guitarist who produces a uniquely clear, clean sound on his instrument that is wonderful to listen to. Pete Cogswell drives the rhythm section on drums with George Barris adding warm textures and foot-tapping rhythms on upright bass.
When describing the sensitivity with which the band plays, Laura says: "Having a pulled back rhythm section just allows us to be lower volume and bring a really warm vocal led sound. We'll still make you want to dance though, this band just swings." Whether you are a member of the jazz club or not, come out to celebrate music with us. It's sure to be a fabulous night, Sunday, October 1 at the RSA.
Doors open at 5.30pm for meals with the music kicking off at 6.30. Members pay only $10, and non-members $20. Memberships are available at the door.
