A quick email to friends
It seems to take a bit more, these days, to get me out on a Friday winter’s night but after struggling to find a park, I’m glad I made the effort this week.
Capital Blues regular gigs on a Friday night are a hidden gem in Wellington, not just because it’s a cheap outing – no cover charge and enough change to shout yourself a beer and burger. No, the gem is in the roaring talent in many of the Friday night acts.
The miss-named The High Society Swingers – likely a carry-over from their refined jazz beginnings - treated an enthusiastic audience to foot-stomping blues/rock, of the kind that attracts a crowd that now looks very much like my grandparents, from back in the day.
Somethings never change or, more likely, they just improve with age. The sea of bald heads and grey-hairs is basically the same crowd that once frequented the likes of the 1860 Bar or Thorndon Tavern some 50 years ago.
The moves on the dance floor were still there but the skimpy skirts and tank-tops have been replaced by cardies and woollen socks. And the rotating ceiling light added the vital piece of nostalgia.
As for the band – outstanding.
Nicole Maria Chesterman, on vocals is a sassy force-of nature, hitting high notes and earthy blues riffs. "Mad Dog" Mike Duffy, on bass and Cameron Brizzle on drums, keep the room and adrenaline pumping and Aslan Rowlands had that guitar on a string.
It would be hard to pick the star in this band, because they all contribute, but just for the fact that Rowlands reminds me so much of Gregg Allman, I think he gets my vote.
GALLERY PHOTOS
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Capital Blues Inc. is an incorporated society managing the Blues Music Nights every Friday starting at 8:30 pm at Jack Hackett’s Irish Pub, Wellington, New Zealand. There is NO COVER CHARGE for your weekly dose of blues and roots music.
