Reviews

Finn-Runga-Dobbyn: Live In Concert

15 August, 2000
Nelson, N.Z.

As reported by the Nelson Mail.

The original article can be found at Stuff.co.nz

Concert celebrated best in Kiwi music
15 AUGUST 2000

Together in Concert Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn in Concert Theatre Royal, Monday August 14. Reviewed by Pete Rainey.

I set out on Monday night with my aural antennae in neutral, not absolutely certain of what lay ahead, only to join with the rest of the crowd, by the end of the night, in a standing ovation - whistling and stamping for more.

It was one of those occasions (which seem to be relatively few and far between these days) that made you very proud to be a Kiwi, and just happy to have been there to experience it.

Tim Finn, Bic Runga and Dave Dobbyn found their way on to a set that looked like a sad old second hand junk shop. On a glowing stage full of old armchairs, lamps and small tables, and with a constantly changing cast (including various invited audience members) we were served up a refreshingly healthy dollop of Kiwi culture.

The Theatre Royal was packed, and for a cool Monday night this was great testimony to the fact that these three songsmiths can draw a full house on any night they play.

It was straight into the nostalgia with Six Months In A Leaky Boat, Whaling and My Mistake. Some really quirky arranging, with Dobbyn on slide and squeezebox, shed new light on familiar friends.

Bic Runga won us all over once again with Drive and Bursting Through, relishing the opportunity to use the diverse instrumental talents of Dobbyn and Finn. She also joined in throughout the night on keyboard, drums, bass and percussion. The instrumental colour always seemed appropriate.

Poor Boy and Slice of Heaven received very folky treatment and the first half finished with Just Add Water (the first track of Dobbyn's new album Hopetown).

The show was all about Kiwi songs, and the diverse and monumental talent of three of our foremost songwriters (and performers). Runga's voice is a national treasure, her clear intelligent singing especially effective in Sway.

Dave Dobbyn gave us Loyal and some new material off Hopetown and then very dramatically snuffed it onstage. His ability to inject humour into the night was often welcome.

Tim Finn's role as an 1980s rock star was rekindled with I See Red.

The whole show was aided by a very slick presentation, superbly matched lighting moods, a supportive and clear mix, and a three-piece support band which never intruded.

As Dobbyn stated, Kiwi music is in good shape, especially so if he continues to perform (as he states) till his wedding tackle shrinks off.

I can understand why Always Take The Weather With You was included, but for a night which celebrated Kiwi music the inclusion of Neil Young's Heart of Gold was a puzzle, albeit enjoyable.