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Fans of country, bluegrass and swing music are in for a treat on September 25 when the Auckland quartet The Remarkables visits the Whangateau Hall. The group’s repertoire varies widely from the hot swing sounds of Paris in the 1940s to the smoky bar rooms of Texas, with Bob Wills overtones and then mixed with the bluegrass sounds of East Kentucky.
The lead singer is well-known bluesman Neil Finlay who is equally at home playing country music or jazz. In 2008, Finlay released his debut solo blues album, Stop and Listen. Bryan Christianson, who plays the five-string banjo, has appeared as a session musician on many NZ recordings in addition to his work with the Tui Award-winning Wires & Wood.
Pete Parnham, one of the founding members, re-joined the Remarkables on guitar and dobro last year, bringing a new feel to the band. Garry Trotman plays double bass in the band and sings the high vocal parts. He is an accomplished songwriter having recently released Brand New Tradition, an album of original songs. He is also a member of Wires & Wood.
The band has appeared at numerous folk festivals, as well as folk clubs around NZ. Their debut album Swinging On The Gate has met with critical success, with music reviewer Graham Reid commenting: “No barriers hurdled, envelopes pushed or parameters breached, just damn fine stuff from people who know what they are doing . . . and how to do it very well indeed.”
The Remarkables will play at the monthly Whangateau Acoustic Music and Social Club night, at the Whangateau Hall, on September 25. Doors open at 7pm, cost is $10 pp.
