Influenced by artists ranging from James Brown to Daft Punk, Auckland outfit Tahuna Breaks have been making a mean mash up of funk, disco, soul, live electronica and roots for over 12 years. They’re a group that have grown and contracted over the years, with live configurations varying between six
Written for http://www.13thfloor.co.nz / https://13thfloor.co.nz/reviews/cd-reviews/anohni-hopelessness-rough-trade/ Listening to Anohni’s (aka English born American Antony Hegarty) new album I can’t help thinking of a lyric on Bowie’s famous song Rebel Rebel – “… She’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl.” For new comers they will most certainly think this. But
Originally appeared in: https://13thfloor.co.nz/reviews/cd-reviews/water-or-gold-hollie-smith-warner-music/ With her new, aptly titled third solo effort, Smith really has struck it – big time! For years she’d resisted taking the easy route and cashing in on the success of her performance on Bathe in the River. She shunned making commercial music at every turn.
Originally appeared on: https://13thfloor.co.nz/reviews/cd-reviews/tedeschi-trucks-band-let-me-get-by-fantasy/ Based in Jacksonville, Florida, hubby and wife team Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi formed the band back in 2010 and ever since have been making a sweet gumbo of blues, rock, blues and soul. On stage they’re part Memphis soul and part show band, with their
Originally appears on: https://13thfloor.co.nz/reviews/cd-reviews/mavis-staples-livin-on-a-higher-note-anti/ I heard that America is considering replacing one of their White Male Presidents with a suitably famous female figure on one of their bank notes. The most likely candidate, if it does ever happen, would be Rosa Parks. But I’d suggest a second candidate: Mavis Staples.
freshthinking 