Live Appearances
"Counting The Days" Concert
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra
3 October, 2003
(Photo copyright to Don Scott / The Press)
Original content copyright 2003 to The Press
Reviewed by: Patrick Shepherd
Date: 4 October, 2003
Publication: The Press
Runga, Orchestra a fine pairing
Billed as the homecoming for Christchurch's own Bic Runga, a capacity crowd certainly gave her a very warm welcome, handing on every word. Now based in Paris, Runga has all the artistic attributes for international stardom.
Runga's rather waifish stage persona is mirrored in the etheral quality of her voice. She writes beautiful songs; those who reckon the days of songs with tunes are long dead should check out Runga's work.
I was pleased to see this concert attracted a wide age-range, no doubt testament to Runga's appeal but also the vision of the orchestra and its musical director Marc Taddei.
This was an equal partnership and an excellent one; attractive arrangements by Tom Rainey, some lovely orchestral movements such as flugel solos and bass/clarinet anglais duet, lush string parts with prominence rather than as a backdrop, and the ever sure baton of Taddei.
Lets not forget that for artists working primarily in studios or with bands, performing live with an orchestra can be an unusual, and daunting experience. Runga was not always comfortable with the medium, admitting it was a new experience, but I hope it will be repeated. Her voice always shines through, whether in moody ballads such as And No More Shall We Part, the beautiful Rainey arrangement of the standard Autumn Leaves, or the groovy cover of Wishing on a Star.
Then she hits you with Anyone Who Had A Heart and the impassioned Ne Quitte Pas, two of her strongest songs on the night. I'll be interested to hear how the live recordings come out.
In support, Brooke Fraser shows great promise as an artist: her voice is strong, with an attractive, breathy edge that suits her songs well.
The songs strike an easy balance of humour and pathos, and she is equally at home accompanying herself on the guitar or piano. OK, the audience interaction needs a bit of polish, but she has a fresh openess about her, vitality, a great voice, and she's 19.
Original content copyright 2003 to The Press
Thanks to Lisa!
