Debbie Harwood band @ Sky Casino

[Rog]

With many thanks to the good Capn, I saw the aforementioned band with him last week.

I was pleasantly surprised at how many Kiwi songs the band did - some I had forgotten existed and one I'd never heard of (some Dragon number - the name of which I can't recall). Debbie was energetic and belted out the songs with ease and professionalism - great stuff! She was completely at home on the stage and knew it - controlling everything.

The band:

Very nice guitarist, but to me his sound was too far back in the mix and too compressed. I didn't enjoy hearing the guitar through the PA, partly because it wasn't panned so that there was the stage separation that I like to hear and partly because it just didn't sound as good as it could have. That's personal taste - I prefer bands un-miked in small venues. All the same - some tasty licks there and his workload was high. He carried much of the band, imo. I would have like to see him smile - its all part of entertainment industry - smile and get the audience smiling too. LP/Marshall 1/2 stack.

Drummer was very tight with a great feel and snappy action. All good stuff! He was a bit loud in the mix, but then again, that's what we expect in Kiwi music. No idea what his gear was - they were drums...

Bassist was a tad too restrained for my taste. Nice lines, but just not enough self-expression. He was also too far back in the mix and his mixed tone was too deep for me, meaning it was difficult to hear him as anything other than a contributor to the overall sound. Some may say that's a good thing, but this is my review based on my tastes and I like to hear the basslines clearly. He smiled more than the guitarist. MM/with some gear I couldn't see well enough to identify. Nice player for his style.

Keyboard player - seemed a very competent player and tackled some things I've tended to shy away from, such as the piano break in I See Red, the jangling discordancy of which has always put me off attempting it. He was backup singer too, which is common for keyboardists. I would have loved to have heard him standout, but once again - lost in the mix most of the time. I think he had an Alesis keyboard, but I can't really remember - I didn't see any amp, so presumed he was straight into the board.

There was another girl singer, but she did nothing of any note for me, in fact I can't recall even hearing her. The show was about Debbie and imo, the band did their bit perfectly, backing her talent and driving the music.

Overall - excellent gig, but once again - playing to about 25-30 people - with others not really there to see them - disheartening for the band, I'm sure. If you see the band advertised - have a listen. there's something there for any lover of Kiwi music. Tight band - good singer - good music.

[philipnz]

Debbie Harwood is a class act. I'd never play sky city, the times i've been there i've felt it's an insult to the band. Just jewelled up ugly housewives plugging pokies and most not giving a shit about the excellent music being performed

[raz]

That wouldn't be Steve Larkins playing keys would it? I know he plays a lot of the skycity gigs. He's an ex Dunedin muso in the big city.

[Capt. Black]

Nah, his name was Anthony, The guitarist is Kev who does a lot of amp work and was in the Led Zep tribute band a few years back. Got talking to him and he's a really good guy.

Deb specializes a bit in kiwi rock and I think that's probably why they were booked at sky city for most of the month, being NZ music month and all.

Regarding that bar at the back of the gaming floor, I commented to Rog that it sometimes it gets a bit wierd. Like somebody drained the Gene Pool and that's what's left over.

[STRAYFALCON]

Caught her show the other week at sky - obviously doin my bit for kiwi music month - I had an absolute ball, I've always been a big supporter of her and what shes doin / done - yet again another great gig