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Farewell New Zealand’s busiest drummer
During the past two weeks I’ve written about Loserpalooza. Let’s move on.
Which I’m sure comes as a relief for many whose reaction was probably along the lines of, “I hate that bloody racket those bands make – why don’t you write about proper music?”
Fair enough. Loserpalooza’s celebration of all things loud, alternative and hardcore takes place at Totara Street on August 15. This week let’s look at other options for those wanting to stay as far away as possible.
But first I wanted to mention the passing of Bruce King, who died on July 27, aged 83.
The late Bruce King. Photo / Bruce King Collection
He may not be a household name but King was a drummer whose career lasted more than 60 years. He was probably the most recorded drummer in the country. He played everything from pop to rock to jazz and country, recording a total of about 10,000 tracks.
From early recordings in 1957 through to 1974, he was ubiquitous. That’s him on Allison Durbin’s I Have Loved Me A Man and Bunny Walters’ Brandy, on The Chicks’ River Deep, Mountain High, and Howard Morrison’s How Great Thou Art. He recorded with Vince Callaher, Toni Williams, Ricky May, Bill & Boyd, Lou and Simon, Tommy Adderley, Ken Lemon, Gerry Merito, Dinah Lee, Lew Pryme, Maria Dallas, Billy T James, Ray Woolf, Ray Columbus and many more.
Pretty much everything
He also backed a roster of famous overseas visitors, played every musical in Auckland, and pretty much everything else. A brief mention here comes no way close to doing him justice. We knew him in Tauranga more recently with various jazz festival bands, including 1932 Jazz Orchestra and Tuxedo Swing.
With the recent deaths of prominent jazz practitioners Mike Walker and Merv Thomas, it’s been a bad year for the jazz community. RIP Bruce, thanks for the music.
Back to Loserpalooza alternatives. On August 15 at The Jam Factory the most enjoyable Red Street is playing. Red Street have been around for a few years now but only pop up live occasionally with a great following and gigs that have everyone talking. Their music is very user-friendly, I guess you’d call it AOR (adult-orientated rock), with influences ranging from The Dave Matthews Band to Pearl Jam and James Taylor.
The late Bruce King, the late Mike Walker and Pete McGregor. Photo / Auckland Jazz & Blues Club
They’re supported by elusive electronica outfit Project Eye and a duo featuring singer Frances Ellen and guitarist Trevor Braunias.
The previous night there, August 14, Hawke’s Bay folk-rock singer Nick Herbison presents a solo show with support from Matty Buxon.
A tribute
Meanwhile, on August 15 Baycourt is hosting a tribute show Running in the Shadows.
Apparently, it’s “Australia’s longest-running and most authentic Fleetwood Mac tribute act” – roll out the FM hits!
Back to August 14, when Melbourne-based musician Dave McMillan will play for the Katikati Folk Club at The Arts Junction. McMillan was previously the singing half of popular duo The Wizard & Oz.
If you want to kill time while waiting for the music of your choice, remember the Tauranga Food Show is on all weekend at Baypark. Yum!
Hear Winston’s latest Playlist: