Chch bands show much ability

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33776, 24 February 1975, Page 16

Chch bands show much ability

A three-band rock concert (at the Repertory Theatre last evening drew a disappointingly small audience to hear some of the best local talent assembled outside hotels for some time. Apart from concerts like this, which was organised by Messrs R. Armstrong and D. Harwood, of Genisis Promotions, few Christchurch bands are heard outside the hotel circuit. “Butler,” one of the most interesting bands in Christchurch, I have not heard of for more than a year, for it prefers to work; at concerts only. Some credit, ; then, to the organisers of this four-hour stint by the locals. “Euclid” opened the concert with its own particular basic beat material—“we call it funking,” said the lead! vocalist, Stewart Davis. The I band, with Brian Walker(keyboards), Ken Ackroyd, (guitar), Bob Ogilvie (drums), I and Mike Jones (bass) has! been together for only a few I months but is developing its! own material in addition to the “soul” material from the Isbey Brothers, “Hot Chocolate” and others. Walker’s keyboard solos added much interest to the rather gravelly sound of the vocal solos. “Disco Queen” appealed as the best number. “Streak,” with Craig Nicholson (drums), Dick Whatson (bass), Kevin Bayley (gui-

|tar), and Dave Carter (keyboards) was formed only a I year ago, and, in this concert —its last in Christchurch before Bayley leaves the group and the others begin a North Island tour—proved itself to be a most proficient group, as easily able to work a concert as its regular job. With interest in groups like “Tower Power,” and Edgar Winter-Stevie Wonder, lit has a cohesive sound, displayed on numbers such as “Bad Times,” “Rockin’ out of the Way,” and “Drift Away.” i “Butler,” is probably Christchurch’s most interesting resident band. Heidi Warren, the guitarist, says that it prefers to avoid commercial work and play only at concerts. “We practise a lot, and are developing much lof our own material.” he I said. With 1 Angel Adams j I (bass), Hori Sinnott (drums), | land Steve Apirana (guitar), sharing vocals, this long-) j established band promises j much; and I was dis-; appointed about having to I leave the theatre after hear-i ing only one number. The Repertory Theatre was I a good venue for this first effort by Genisis. The lighting was, of course, highly effective, and the sound system good; and we can hope for another concert again soon. —J.McN.I