SPACIFIC NEWS #132: Contents

1. Servant Jazz Quarters :: Delaney Davidson
2. Bush Hall :: Modern Maori Quartet
3. Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen :: Sola Rosa Soundsystem
4. Competition :: London Big Day Out Tickets
5. Keep in touch with New Zealand music via Spotify
6. Upcoming Highlights
 
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SERVANT JAZZ QUARTERS :: DELANEY DAVIDSON :: 24/05/18
 
We're stoked that our first show of the year should be by the mischevious maverick, Delaney Davidson.
 
Delaney forged his identity over a decade ago as a figure on the European tour circuit, having been a part of the Voodoo Rhythm Family of Switzerland since 2003. His seminal influence and work with Marlon Williams on their “Sad But True” series as well as his visionary production on Tami Neilson’s acclaimed albums “Dynamite” and “Don’t Be Afraid” have also earned him great praise from the media and huge respect amongst his peers.

Initially inspired by the songs of Hank Williams and the Birthday Party, and the performance styles of distilled Johnny Cash and dead-pan Buster Keaton, Delaney synthesizes this into his own persona. A wry sense of humour, some theatre of unease, and a voice classed as “not conventionally beautiful” all combine to breathe life and space into the niche he has carved out for himself, winning him critical acclaim across the world for his original take on things.

The guitar and harmonica of his simple live show have become his trademark, a small battered suitcase as his props table for the magic show, looping sounds over each other to achieve the full drive of a juke band. Howlin Wolf meets Suicide. Reverbed vocals and the slap back beats he builds with his Ghost Orchestra capture the sound of Chicago’s Chess Records.  

Generally dealing with the darker side of things, Davidson’s lyrical content ranges from classic murder ballads to songs with a deeper insight into the human condition and a sympathy and acceptance of the quirks of life and human foibles. Combining the older style of beerhall musician and the traditions of pantomime and audience involvement his live show is renowned for its sublime dance competitions and bawdy sing-alongs.
 
Support on the night will be Michael J Sheehy.
 
Tickets are £8 + b/f from Music Glue, Ticketweb or See Tickets.
 
From: 7.30pm
At: 10A Bradbury Street, London N16 8JN
Nearest Tube: Dalston Kingsland or Dalston Junction
Venue website: servantjazzquarters.com/
 
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BUSH HALL :: MODERN MAORI QUARTET :: 29/07/18  
 
We're equally delighted that the marvellous Modern Maori Quartet will be back in London this summer, en route to another residency at Edinburgh Festival. Their show last year was an absolute delight, and so that all the family can take part, this time round they'll be playing a matinee show, with doors at 3pm and a stage time of 4pm.
 
A good looking, suave contemporary Māori showband in the vein of forebears such as the Hi-Marks and Māori Volcanics, MMQ’s accomplished artists hail from different corners of Aotearoa to bring the concept of a “Māori Ratpack” into the present, weaving acting and musical abilities together to croon their spin on modern and classic numbers.

Their live shows are parties like no other, with a mix of off-beat comedy, stage routines, unique takes on showband hits as well as pop music, and displays of distinctively Māori song and dance. With hearty voices in epic harmony, they share Māori traditions, aroha and tell Kiwi stories through waiata with tongue-in-cheek Māori humour, charm and charisma.

At the core of it all, MMQ are a classy celebration of the entertainment legends of Māoridom; hearty Māori entertainment that will warm your heart and make you cry with laughter.
 
Tickets for adults are £18 + b/f or for under 18s are £5 + b/f from Music Glue, Ticketweb or See Tickets.  
 
From: 7.30pm
At: 310 Uxbridge Road, London W12 7LJ
Nearest Tube: Shepherds Bush Market Venue
website: bushhallmusic.co.uk/  
 
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HOXTON SQUARE BAR & KITCHEN :: SOLA ROSA SOUNDSYSTEM :: 27/09/18    
 
Just confirmed – more info soon  
 
Limited early bird tickets are £8 + b/f from Music Glue, otherwise they're £10 + b/f from See Tickets or Ticketweb  
 
From: 8pm
At: 2-4 Hoxton Square, London N1 6NU
Nearest Tube: Old Street or Shoreditch High Street
Venue website: hoxtonsquarebar.com