Homegrown talent

Press, 11 June 1987, Page 10

Homegrown talent

HERBS “Sensitive To A Smile” (Warrior 2008). The back cover of “Sensitive To A Smile" contains the following message. “Dedicated to: family, friends, and fans.” But, the album also shows the dedication of Herbs — their music just keeps getting better. The opening track, “E Papa,” the traditional Maori song, is done a cappella in wonderful style. Southern African music is gaining a lot of attention at the moment, thanks to Paul Simon. But Herbs show the quality of Polynesian music to do the things that, for example, Ladysmith Black Mambazo do.

If the band played “E Papa” at its shows for the launch of the album in Ruatoria on Queen’s Birthday week-end it would have been a special moment But, there are plenty of other moments of melody and message as well.

“Travellin’ In Style” shows that Herbs are prepared to put aside the reggae influences that they are noted for, and play a little funky jazz. Herbs are really at their best on;, message songs. The strong “No Nukes” is an adequate follow up to “French Letter” — musically, it’s a gem. Perhaps, not as powerful is “Rust In Dust,” , about the concerns of chemical pollution.

The band can still turn a ballad into an extraordinary event, such as “Long Ago,” the title of their 1984 album. This time it is also the turn of the title track. The addition of the famous bass guitarist, Charlie Tumabai, to the songwriting department with Dilworth Karaka, pays dividends here.

Religion is not lost either. Karaka teams up with Willie Hona, the other guitarist, on “Jah Knows,” on one of the strongest songs of the album.

There are a few blind spots on “Sensitive To A Smile,” notably the empty “Station Of Love,” that rocks to nowhere. But when you get treats like “Sunshine At Night,” who

worries. “Sensitive To A Smile” shows that Herbs continue to grow in musical stature with their particular warm mixture of melody and message. A few people would have been put off by the band endorsing a certain brand of fast-food chicken, but ideals don’t pay the rent — not for a big seven piece rock band that chews through the dollars in costs. Now that Radio New Zealand has endorsed a 10 per cent local music quota, “Sensitive To A Smile” might actually pay dividends — for the band and the listening public. ARDIJAH “Ardijah” (WEA Z 20020). Right from the opening track, the debut album by Ardijah is gripping stuff — not surprising that it was hard to find the LP in Christchurch earlier this week — the songs live must have exploded at a certain local fashionable watering hole. “Jamming” grips the ears with bass and synthesizers right from the start, and it does not let up. Betty Anne-Monga’s vocals aic superb, a highlight right through the album.

For once, it is enjoyable to catch little likenesses in the album. “Forever And A Day” has a Sade touch to it from Betty-Anne, and occasionally when the backing vocals swing in on songs there seems to be the Jackson Five there as well.

“That’s The Way” shows the band’s tribute to reggae, especially after working with Herbs on their 1986 tour. “Like Me” was a last minute addition to the album, but it is so lively that not surprisingly it has become a dance hit up north. “When The Feeling Is Gone” is the only track not written by Ryan Monga, the band’s bass guitarist and one of ♦wo keyboards players. Simon Lynch, also on keyboards, has given Betty-Anne a beautiful rhythmic ballad to work with. But Ryan replies with his own older composition “Do To You” and his wife gives a genuine touch of vocal soul. What is so surprising is

that Ryan Monga arranged and produced all the 10 songs. Not even a $30,000 studio time award can save any mistakes, but there are none here — this is a top e quality New Zealand album that foots it in overseas soul and funk territory with ease.

WHEN THE CAT’S' AWAY “When The Cat’s Away Live” (CBS CATS TMC001). His eyes were bloodshot and he looked exhausted — because of When TheCat’s Away. The band had been playing at The Playroom (the watering hole; previously mentioned) during Queen’s Birthday week-end, and the' bloodshot, exhausted barman had found that the three nights of the Auckland band had been tremendous.

The live recording cannot do justice to the live show, but it is definitely the next best thing. The group of five women came from relaxing idea by Debbie Harwood, but they became so popular that audiences could not lap up enough — and they were only doing covers!

The chance to see Harwood, Annie Crummer, Kim Willoughby, Dianne Swann, and Margaret Urlich (Peking Man) in Christchurch was too good to miss.

After seeing the show the live album, recorded at His Majesty’s Theatre, is only weak in two areas — it does not have enough of the songs that the band do and it does not capture just how much fun the five women have on stage. Everyone will have their own favourites on the live LP. Personal favourites are Dragon’s “Dragons and Demons” and “1999,” by Prince. The recording definitely shows one thing — just how much high energy these cats generated. For that reason Tm sure that my choices will change. The only sad thing is that this live album is all there will be left of When The Cat’s Away, for what was meant to be a lighthearted band of convenience is inconveniently splitting up.

—NEVIN TOPP.