A Day On The Green

[Clarky]

A fine day was enjoyed by about 5,000 Cantabrians under a clear Summer sky at the Mud House winery at Waipara, North Canterbury. As the wine flowed, we were treated to some wonderful music as the afternoon turned into night.

First up was Hammond Gamble. He took the stage alone with his acoustic and presented a wonderful soulful blues set. His voice was in fine form, and the sun gleamed from the gold hardware on his guitar, which he coaxed and squeezed some gorgeous playing from. I'm a fan of this man now.

Next up was Midge Marsden. A consumate entertainer, his 'lad about town' banter between songs showed how at ease he is, and how long he's been playing for. His trusty sidekick on the Strat - Darren Watson (formerly of Chicago Smoke Shop) really bought his game and the licks and solos were effortlessly leaping from his fretboard for the entire set. These guys really got the crowd into their rythym.

Next up was the man himself, Joe Cocker, with a full 8 piece band. His guitarist Gene Black also was on the money tonight, and Joe's hits were blasted out, and there wasn't anyone left sitting after the first two songs.Joe's voice was doing well, and he belted out a couple of hours of his classics, with some mighty high-noted screams thrown in for the audiences pleasure.

A great night on the grapes, and some fine music too.

[Clarky]

[Basket Case]

I quite enjoy a bit of Joe's older stuff. The missus and I talked briefly about going, but I figured his voice would be a bit disappointing now he's getting on a bit. Sounds like I was wrong. Dagnabit.

[Clarky]

The Press covered this one too; http://www.stuff.co.nz/4376508a1860.html