A new bench mark has been firmly cemented within the walls of The Penguin Club. Those attending the gig were witness to the creative genius and sublime musicianship of a band whose magic carpet ride carried those people to lands they never expected to see. Eight bars into their opening number I saw looking down from the sound room a psychedelic ‘ WOW’ rising from the 80 odd people attending.
"Let me tell you a story"
As their set progressed that wow gathered colours and forms as the band drew the crowd into their unique groove. Unique is the only label of genre I can give this band. There were tastes of Hendrix in the soaring guitar…The boogie groove of John Lee Hooker…In fact I can only understate this bands easy ability to harvest the entire spectrum of world music of the last 40 years and make it their own great Kiwi music.
Tom caresses Bessie
I’ll stand by my belief that their show has been the best production ever witnessed at The Penguin Club. The Little Bushmans’ package was wrapped and delivered to us in the slickest and most professional manner by their soundman Tony Sheard obviously passionate of his craft and is one with the band. The aural package was visually enhanced by their lighting nerd !
We never saw the whites of Joes eyes
Rob Larsen with a superb subtlety and/or explosive colouring that painted the walls of our little venue with the sounds of the band. Warren Maxwell on lead vocals, Rhodes keyboard and guitar sang us songs of Aotearoa…the people and places that hold a special place in his huge soul.
Rick in a roll
The crowd pressing toward the stage as one to soak up every word. Joe Callwood on lead guitar drove the message home with classic rock riffs or noodled around Warrens poetry with his own soulful comments. The bottom end of this band, Rick Cranson on drums was the solid raft for our journey. His impeccable timings woven together with the organic double bass of Tom Callwood allowed the “ feel “ of the band to be clearly expressed. This to my mind is the essence of The Little Bushman. All skilled in their craft it is the synergy of their talents and their individual feel that makes them a truly great Kiwi band. Little Bushman… we thank you for sharing with us your spirit and gifting us a night to be treasured for years to come.
Wazza… I’m a hard man to please… You’ve blown my philosophy “ If it cant be said in 12 barrs it aint worth saying “ right out of the whare !!!