| Influences | 
2006-2007 AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND - JUST A FEW COMMENTS
As a long-time fan of Canadian James' songwriting, I was sceptical as to how that could be combined with a virtuoso, Chilean, 'latino' style, nylon strung guitar. Wednesday's concert here in Christchurch blew away any
doubts I might have had. These guys are sheer dynamite, the songs shine through and the instrumentals are breathtaking. The term 'virtuoso' is overused, but nothing else can describe the skills of Oscar on guitar
and in a style that we rarely, if ever, see here in NZ. The close friendship these guys have off-stage extends into their music and the sheer exuberance and fun is there for all to see. They have a wicked sense of humour too....for anyone lucky enough to have them appearing anywhere near over the next week, don't hesitate... It could be a while before you'll get another chance to see them in NZ, but I hope it won't be. cheers
Davy Stuart
Davy Stuart is Sooooo... right in this description. I was
lucky enough to catch them in Christchurch on Weddnesday
night (for once a business trip was well-timed). If you get
the chance, so go see them. They're guesting at Waihi Bush
festival over this weekend too.
Cheers
SUE HARKNESS
James and Oscar were Heroes of the Festival for a lot of people I spoke
with. As sound op in The Barn, I get a distorted view of the whole festival,
but this year, what a view:I saw them unamplified on Friday night, was able to catch their feature concert on the Saturday, with a full and enthusiastic audience, but nothing could have prepared me for Sunday! Between 1 and 4 pm they gave two workshops, of such artistry, inventiveness, energy and humour as you almost never see. with barely time to change shirts between.
The first, 'Latin Guitar' had about a third of the audience playing together, at one point J&O stopped playing, and we all enjoyed the groove of those massed guitars - a magic moment. In the second, on 'Collaboration' they invited Chris, a 13/14 year old guitarist (they must have met him earlier) on stage with them for a number, and gave him space to shine. Which he did. And they are generous enough not to use his success to show how much more astounding they are. Then in the Final Concert they put on a different show again, responding exactly to the mood of the evening. Dazzling, sure, great comedic routines, sure, but through it all the pure gold of real music,
and real passion. I usually get tetchy when a guest plays the same song
repeatedly, but there's something about their three takes that really
made it a new song each time. There's so much more I could say, plus assessment of the other people at the Festival - you wouldn't believe what I'd write about Mahina, you'd point out that we're old friends and I'm biassed - but I type very slowly and I have work to do.
But Compadres were SUPERB!!!!
Cheers, Tony Ricketts
Compadres concert at the Bunker sold out the day after
the Festival and there is still two weeks to go !!
Hilary
Devonport
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