Bic Captivates LA

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Bic Captivates LA

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Bic Runga Captivates LA

Original article is at: Xtra MSN

02/11/2002 08:10 AM Reuters

By: Reuters/Variety/Phil Gallo

HOLLYWOOD (Variety) - Columbia Records has an intriguing challenge ahead should it attempt to break New Zealander Bic Runga in the US, says Phil Gallo reviewing one of her five warmup gigs at Largo in LA.

A singer-songwriter with a powerful voice and an exotic beauty not unlike Blue Note's Norah Jones, Runga has a budding career already Down Under and her sophomore effort, "Beautiful Collision," could be used to establish her as a counterpart to the label's biggest recent singer-songwriter success, Jon Mayer. There's a lot more to this young woman than her single "Sway" on the "American Pie" soundtrack.

Her show, one of five warmup gigs at Largo before a full-scale effort this fall, is homey and comfortable. She dabbles in Dylan ("One More Cup of Coffee") and Neil Young ("Only Love Can Break Your Heart" with guest Jon Brion on piano) while sifting through her own, less distinguished works. Runga got a huge lift when her partners joined in on harmonies, lifting her folk-pop into a dreamy realm that never goes out of style yet never wholly grabs a considerable audience.

"Beautiful Collision," being released Nov 5 in the US, is loaded with charisma. The instrumentation runs the gamut of stringed instruments and the focus remains where it should be - on Runga's captivating voice. Runga has an ingratiating personality onstage, a friendliness that's instantly captivating and should win her a considerable number of fans.

Presented inhouse. Band: Bic Runga, Ben Maitland, Ben King, Malcolm Cross. Reviewed Oct. 30, 2002; also Nov. 6, 13.