RSB
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RSB is another great musical secret Northlanders have kept to themselves for long enough.
The four-man Whangarei-based outfit is releasing a new album, claiming its place in a long line of great Northland artists that includes the likes of Peter Posa, The Quindells, Face, Mark Williams, Willy Hona, The Hi Marks, Classic Affair, Billy T. James, Eddie Hemara, Reggie Ruka, Sonny Day, Hammond Gamble and many more.
RSB (first word Rip, last word Bust) has direct connections with several of those artists. Most notably lead guitarist Mack Tane was bass player in Face, the band that also gave us singer Mark Williams and self-taught Hokianga guitar supremo Willy Hona, who went on to become a major part of Pacific reggae heroes Herbs. Face is the band many remember from school dances, community hall socials and later clubs around Auckland and Northland in the 1970s and 80s.
In 2008 Mack, 53, finds himself the father figure and figurehead of a tight, four-man band that revels in performing live and delivers a tight, crisp sound doing other people’s songs. In the new album the boys present their own creations.
CLICK HERE FOR NEW RSB DEMOS!!!!!!!!!!!
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RSB is now Northland NZ's leading musical force.
HousE OF SHEM
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House of Shem hail from Aotearoa, New Zealand and like many legendary reggae groups this band is built around the classic harmony trio format. At the helm is Carl Perkins, a man with over thirty years experience writing and playing reggae music. As a former member of Herbs, Mana and the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band amongst others, Carl’s musical credentials are impeccable.
Joining him up front are two of his sons, Te Omeka and Isaiah who not only provide harmonies but both of whom also write, take turns at singing lead and play keyboards as well. It is this blood link and family bond that renders the sound of their combined voices as something really extraordinary. Each of the three has their own distinct song writing style and voice, effectively giving the band three different lead singers. The harmonies are sublime and the precision of their ensemble performance is phenomenal.
Credit must also go to the rhythm section – certainly one of the tightest you are ever likely to hear down in the South Pacific Aotearoa New Zealand, with Kaya Webster who is a “one-drop” prodigy, having played drums for the Twelve Tribes of Israel Band since he was of primary school age and Francis Harawira, a heavy-duty bassist also formerly of the T.T.I. Band and Token Village. Rounding out the sound is the exceptionally gifted guitarist Roy Venkataraman – a seasoned veteran himself who toured and played with The Wailers band for a number of years and the soul infused horns of Chris Nielson on saxophone. The Latest addition is long-time friend and Cousin John Chong Nee Award Winning R&B Artist / Producer who brings a soulful touch of Vocals and Keyboards to the line-up.
To date, four House of Shem songs have been featured on the best-selling “Conscious Roots” compilations (with combined sales in excess of 30,000 units) and in May of 2008 their debut album, “Keep Rising” was released. The album is an especially strong opening statement from the group and with each of the family members splitting the composition credits evenly it neatly demonstrates the bands musical range and diversity of styles. There is something for everyone on here with catchy pop songs, deep devotional hymns, lovers rock and dancehall crowd-pleasers all included and vying for your attention.
Over the last couple of years the band has extensively toured the country. They have become a regular fixture at annual festivals such as Soundsplash , Parihaka Peace Festival, Raggamuffin, One Love, Parachute Fest, Tribal Pride, Rhythm & Vines, Nga Puhi fest, Phat 08 and have forged a loyal fan base not just in the main centres, but also in the smaller rural communities. April 2009 sees the debut album “Keep Rising” distributed through Shock in Australia & Pacific Hawaiian in Hawaii with more interest worldwide.
The House of Shem live experience is an unforgettable occasion – a rare mixture of power and beauty. Whether you are Rasta or raver, this band’s incredible tightness, heavenly harmonies, conscious lyrics and blend of traditional and contemporary reggae styles will leave you spellbound.
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Kara Gordon Trio
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Last year 2008 has seen him open for and play with greats such as Glen Hughes from Deep Purple, Ozzy Osbourne, KISS, Whitesnake in Wellington for Rock2Wgn and Joe Satriani at GTaranaki, recently voted as one of the Top 15 fastest guitar shredders in the world.
Come hear some to his new originals and old favourites, still known around Auckland as the most talented guitarist ever seen.
Vernon Reid of Living Colour has likened him to 'Jimi Hendrix' reincarnated.
Come and see what everyone is talking about.
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1814
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1814 are an eight-piece Reggae Band whose members live in the hills surrounding the beautiful Whangaroa Harbour and nearby town of Kerikeri, Northland.
Patu Colbert (guitar/vocals), formed the band with sons: Shaun (drums) and Jimmy (bass), in 2004. The line up now includes: Darren Katene (lead vocals); Katherine Te Haara – Atama (vocals); Reuben Heger (sax); Erana Jones (keys) and Maihi Pinker (vocals).
The name, 1814, was taken from the year the Gospel arrived at Oihi, in the Bay Of Islands. Missionary, Samuel Marsden, held the first sermon there on Christmas Day, 1814. This is the inspiration behind delivering a message of peace, love and unity to all people throughout the land.
Original band members. Des Brown and Korey Atama have moved onto other jobs and Erana Jones, has joined to fill the roll on keys, while Maihi Pinker has joined bringing even more dynamics to the vocals.
The band has been gigging regularly since the release of their debut album, Jah Rydem. Patu describes it as having " . . . a funky, R’n’B, roots feel to it.” While touring, we were pleasantly surprised at how well the album has been received around the country. Totally awesome!
Song writing was shared between members, with Darren writing lyrics for several of the songs.
We have just finished supporting International Guitar player, Billy TK, on the ‘Can Ya Feel It’ Summer Tour presented by Auahi Kore and Juice TV through Christmas and New Year. Special guest artist Lil Ian, from the UK, one of the leading slide blues’ guitarists of his generation was also on tour. Billy came up with a way of featuring Blues, Rock and Reggae in one tight show that kept you rockin’ from start to finish. Very interesting indeed!
The band has had the privilege of playing with some of the country’s top acts: Katchafire, House of Shem, 3 Houses Down, Cornerstone Roots, Unity Pacific, Ardijah, Ruia Aperahama, Whirimako Black, Che Fu, Moana and The Tribe to name a few.
Future: 2009, sees 1814 shooting a video to Insomnia, a song off Jah Rydem, a new album, a National tour and a trip across the ditch to play in Brisbane.
BeaU Adams
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As lead singer of top Northland Band RSB for over 10 years, Beau Adams knows how to make a lasting musical impression. His new solo act is no different. Guests will be enchanted by his charismatic stage presence as they listen to some of the greatest songs of the last 25 years.
If you are looking for a solo entertainer who can entertain to the most intimate group or have your whole party up dancing look no further. Be prepared to be mesmerised as you embrace the sounds of this velvet voice.
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PLAN B
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Known as "Plan B", Charlotte Jones & Jason Clark are here to show you they are the newest "Plan A" in entertainment. The Paihia based duo were founding members of Northland band Unit 15 and have now taken the live music scene by storm with their not to be missed mix of all your favourite songs. Charlotte's soulful voice mixed with Jason's limitless talent on keyboard & acoustic guitar ensure this is one musical act you won't want to miss.
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Kate Bell
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Kate Bell is renowned for her amazing vocal abilities and her unique entertainment style that can wow even the most discerning audience.
Kate’s sultry jazz voice also crosses over into a large repertoire of well known dance hits which makes her the perfect choice for background entertainment as well as a main act.
If you are looking for an entertainer that ticks all the right boxes look no further than Kate Bell.
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DANN PINKNEY
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Dann Pinkney knows how to entertain! This Northland local has been wowing audiences for years as a performer at both corporate events & bar residencies.
Dann’s huge musical repertoire combined with his energetic vocals and seemingly effortless guitar work will leave your audience wanting more.
If you are looking for an experienced entertainer that can offer ambience or energy look no further.
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