It's all Rock'n'Roll in Wellington

Well, by the grace of Groove, we are still on air.  The Groove towers may have been under threat from the great elements but we are still online - TG for that!

Keep tuning @ www.groovefm.co.nz

Wellington was hit by a 6.5 rs earthquake and many aftershocks from Sunday night and they are still occuring.  The epicentre is 30KM out in Cook Strait, near Seddon.  Seddon was hit realitively har.  Yealands Vinyards, a local business lost a reported $100K worth of wine. Wellington's Featherston St was the hardest hit, with broken windows and falling masonry.  No loss of life, four minor injuries.  As a precaution everyone was discouraged to remain away from the CBD yesterday whilst the engineers checked for structural damage. Wellington faired well with very little in the end.  Thank the Creator for that!

Groove's programming may be upset this week wilst the shaking settles down.  We'll still be on air ( www.groovefm.co.nz) Stay tuned Groovers!

On the Adventures of the Coffee Bar Kid this week - Christine Hunt Daniell - "Just an Orange for Christmas" Harper Collins $34.95

This week we explore the territory and history of one of Dean's Favourite tramping grounds - the Wairarapa.  We talk to Author/Historian Christine Hunt Daniell.

When Christine Hunt Daniell sat down with pen and paper and talked with the ‘old- timers’ for this book, her motivation was to preserve more than the bland surface details of regional history. The stories are from the Wairarapa, but their core is essential New Zealand experience, exposing something universally human. They describe how it felt to live over the last century, how it feels to be near the end of life, how today’s world measures up. Each character is a survivor, recalling often raw or touching personal details. To Stan’s insistence , “I’m amazed you keep wanting to come back and get information from an ordinary old fellow like me,” this book is an extraordinary testament. These stories reflect our spirit. Our heritage. A carefully unravelled web of facts and feelings, earthy yarns, shrewd perceptions, tomfoolery, fantasy and faith. Our folk history. Who we are. Our backbone.

After graduating, Christine Hunt Daniell spent three years in Europe, working in isolated rural communities. While absorbing the distinct flavour and spirit of each culture, she became determined to capture New Zealand’s equivalent - a heritage or folk history we still tend to deny we have. She produced three books: Something In The Hills, Speaking A Silence and I’m Ninety Five - Any Objection? Christine and her husband farm in the hills north of Masterton and on the White Rock coast.

See you at 7.30PM This Thursday only on www.groovefm.co.nz

Thursday night on the Adventures of the CoffeeBar Kid

We interview English Author, Kat Mosse - writer of the Labyrinth series. 

The complex history of the Languedoc has proved fertile territory for Kate Mosse in her recent trilogy of adventure novels, beginning with the phenomenally successful Labyrinth in 2005, shortly to be a mini-series, and now reaching its conclusion in Citadel.

1. Labyrinth was concerned with the Albigensian crusade and the destruction of the Cathar heresy in the 13th century, weaving historical truth with the legends of the holy grail that flourished after the final massacre of the Cathars at their fortress of Montségur.

Citadel is a deeply satisfying literary adventure, brimming with all the romance, treachery and cliffhangers you would expect from the genre. It is also steeped in a passion for the region, its history and legends, and that magical shadow world where the two meet.

For the full review - click here .....

All this and another episode of The Men From the Ministry. See You at 7.30.Thursday night only on www.Groovefm.co.nz

Adventures of the CoffeeBar Kid is Back tonite!

Slightly weather beaten but still standing!  Groove is back to power and normal service has resumed! So we return to our regularly scheduled programme.  Tonite we'll play a fascinating intrview with historian and writer Mark Derby about his new book 'White Collar Radical: Dan Long and the rise of white collar unions'.  This is a brilliant documentary of one of New Zealand's gentleman unionists.  A man responsible for the success of New Zealand's largest union the PSA, and a leader credited with significant gains for Women in pay and equality in the work place.  He's also the one behind the dress code for public servants: walk shorts, brown cardigans, socks and roman sandals!  If you grew up surrounded by anti-unionist rhetoric of the Muldoon government in the 80's then join us, from 7.30 tonight, for a slightly different history of New Zealand. 

You can also find out more about Mr Long here:  http://www.psa100.org.nz/stories/people/l-z/dan-long/#

Also, just to add to the flava we'll be featuring an episode of the Men From the Ministry, a British radio comedy series that ran on the BBC between 1962 and 1977. 

These are the hilarious, stiff upper lipped adventures into pure incompentancy.  The most ironic thing about the series was the ability of a highly state owned service such as the BBC to laugh at it's own public service which in the post war years was both hated for its officious bueracracy and reverred as the largest employer in Brittain.  There was also a deep suspicion fo socialist activity afoot and a deep mistrust of any one in a bowler hat!  Ultimately it was this series that provided the ferile ground for the Goons and Monty Python to make fun ofof the British demeanor. 

Of course New Zealand also had it's version, Roger Hall's emmensely polpular Gliding On which was first a play, then a TV series.  It launched the careers of Ross Jolly and Ray Henwood (Commedian Dai Henwoods Welsh dad).

You can still catch a few of the shows at NZonscreen.co.nz (http://www.nzonscreen.com/title/gliding-on-1981---1985/series)

Tally ho and all that.  See you at 7.30.

This thursday on the Adventures of the CoffeeBar Kid

Due to Wellington's worst storm 40+ years we missed out last week so this week (27/6/13) we interview historian and writer Mark Derby about his new book 'White Collar Radical: Dan Long and the rise of white collar unions'.  This is a brilliant documentary of one of New Zealand's gentleman unionists.  A man responsible for the success of New Zealand's largest union the PSA, and a leader credited with significant gains for Women in pay and equality in the work place.  He's also the one behind the dress code for public servants: walk shorts, brown cardigans, socks and roman sandals!  If you grew up surrounded by anti-unionist rhetoric of the Muldoon government in the 80's ten join us, from 7.30 tonight, for a slightly different history of New Zealand.  See you then!

On the Adventures of the Coffee Bar Kid this week

It's time for the Wellington Jazz Festival.  This week the Kid and Festival Director Shelagh Magadza have a chat about what's happening this weekend.  Hold on to your groove-shoes the festival is coming.  They discuss the artists and play some of the music just to get you in the mood. 

Tune in from 7.30 Thursday Night to get the lowdown. 

http://jazzfestival.co.nz/

Wellington Jazz Festival - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013

We're stoked that the festival is finally here!  New Zealand’s hottest little jazz festival – in the world’s coolest little capital.

The Wellington Jazz Festival is an event of true international standard, with hundreds of musicians will be turning up the heat in the capital’s famous Cuba Quarter. From contemporary and traditional jazz to soul, rhythm & blues, reggae, latin and gospel, this Festival is not just for the aficionado but for a broad selection of tastes.

There are major international acts, home-grown super groups, relaxed afternoon sessions and riotous late-night jams – all crammed into some of our capital’s best loved music venues, bars and eateries.

Here are a few highlights. See individual events for venue information.  Events in this festival ordered by starting date.  For full info go to the website: http://jazzfestival.co.nz/

  

Chucho Valdés and the Afro-Cuban Messengers - One of Cuba’s greatest jazz pianists and bandleaders - Thu 6 Jun 2013 8pm  - The Opera House

The Session - A rocking WJF edition of The Matterhorn's monthly jazz jam. Free 10pm Matterhorn

Karen and Her Fellow Sinners - From '50s divas to jazzed up Nirvana. Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 8:30pm BATS Theatre

The Bandits Take Havana - A young and energetic seven-piece Latin jazz ensemble.
Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 9pm - Havana Bar

A Roomfulla Blues - A WJF version of The Hotel Bristol's regular Thursday bluesfest.
Free Thu 6 Jun 2013 - 8:30pm, Hotel Bristol

Duelling Boogie-woogie Pianos - This eclectic array is brought to you by a set of drums & two pianos. Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 - 8pm - Meow

The Nigel Patterson Trio - This trio combines expert musicianship with passion and creativity. Thu 6 Jun 2013

Free - 7:30pm - The Southern Cross Bar and Restaurant

Roger Sellers - One of this country's greatest jazz percussionists. Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 9:30pm - Hashigo Zake

Cassandra Wilson - A contralto as rich and supple as vintage leather - Fri 7 Jun 2013 7pm - The Opera House - Ticketek

The Opera House Session Featuring Estère - an edgy Erykah Badhu for the next generation. Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 10pm - The Opera House - Ticketek 

Chocolate Box - WJF Special With vocalists Lisa Tomlins and Vanessa Stacy. Free Fri 7 Jun 2013 10pm - Matterhorn

Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band - Bring your dancing shoes! Bring your dancing shoes! Fri 7 Jun 2013

8pm - Mighty Mighty

Dinner and Cabaret with Alana Zivanov With Alana Zivanovic. Free Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 7pm - Daddy O's

The Wellington City Shake-'Em-On-Down - Ah, Dixieland, the terrific toe-tapping era. Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 9pm - Hotel Bristol

Adam Page Trio - Songs for Sonny - Celebrating the influence of the great Sonny Rollins. Fri 7 Jun 2013 8pm, Meow

Tessa Quayle & Nick Granville Trio - Jazz and swing with funk, soul and blues grooves. Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 10pm - Hashigo Zake

Mantis: The Music of Drew Menzies - Honouring the music of one of NZ's best double bassists. Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 3pm - The Opera House

The Rodger Fox Wellington Jazz Orchestra - Celebrating turning 40 with vocalists Glenn Walter & Erna Ferry - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 6pm - The Opera House

Iva Lamkum & Jennifer Zea - One night, one stage, two red hot vocalists -  Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 9pm - The Opera House

Upright Jazz Trio - With Julien Wilson, Brett Hirst and Reuben Bradley - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 10pm - Matterhorn

Omri Mor Trio - Andalou Jazz - A blend of jazz improv & traditional North African music - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 8pm - Mighty Mighty

James Illingworth Trio - Perfect for ending your night on an awesome high! - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 — Sun 9 Jun 2013 - 11pm - Hashigo Zake

Hot Cafe - Returning with their swinging brand of gypsy jazz - Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 8:30pm - The Lido Cafe

Soul for Survivors - Soulful and upbeat service in historic St Peter’s Church. Free - Sun 9 Jun 2013 - 10am - St Peter's on Willis

The Boptet - Smooth grooves with the longest-running jazz residency in town - Free - Sun 9 Jun 2013 - 7:30pm - The Lido Cafe

John Rae All Star Band - A night of top jazz. Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 9pm - Meow

Jazz Nights with Cumulonimbus - Settle in to a night of saxy jazz with jazz quartet Cumulonimbus - Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 6pm, 7pm - Amora Hotel

The Trio with Vocals - Afternoons of acoustic jazz! Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 4:30pm - Meow

Jam Session - The Jazz Festival presents a jam session every night of the Festival… Free - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 11pm - Meow

Friday Night Dress Up - As if Wellingtonians need an excuse to get creative with a costume! Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 6pm - Cuba Mall

Free Pop-Up Jazz Jams - Pop-up jazz jams on Friday and Saturday. Free - Fri 7 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 12pm, 10am - Cuba Mall

Free Friday Jazz with Nick Granville - A sweet blend of jazz, R&B, soul grooves and goodtime funk Free  -

Fri 7 Jun 2013 - 5pm - Vivant Restaurant & Bar

The Uprights - A small piano trio with a mighty sound! Free - Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 4pm - The Southern Cross Bar and Restaurant

Karen and Her Fellow Sinners - Sink into a sultry evening of smoky jazz - Thu 6 Jun 2013 — Sat 8 Jun 2013 - 8:30pm - BATS Theatre

Tommorow night on the Adventures of the CoffeeBar Kid

We celebrate Edmund Hillary's ascent to the top of the Wrold on 29 May 1953.  We look at a couple of books on the subject and play musc related to the times.  Also we interview Goldbeard guitars, who operate out of Owhiro Bay and learn all about their wonderful products.   See you at 7.30 Tommorow, Thursday only on www.groovefm.co.nz


Read the Book Reviews : http://adventuresofthecoffeebarkid.blogspot.co.nz/

Read about Goldbeard Guitars: http://www.goldbeard.co.nz/

The return of the 'Kid

Attention! "Public Sevice Broadcasting" - "after all what I want isn't all as easy as all that" "But the Lady is not for Turning" "Trains from Birmingham, Brisol and afar bring a 1000 bags of mail from the north" "I can't cant go on you know, it's the end this time"  Great quotes from vintage Brttish BBC propaganda sources are mixed into techno and represented as a soundbite sound track of the 20th Century.  This album has been turning heads lately, especially the track 'Spitfire' which comes with a pretty nifty video - Tonite the Kid features tracks from the new album Inform, Entertain, Educate (check the video below).

We also check out new music from Rattle Jazz and have a interview with Ruben Bradley about his wonderful MANTIS project (read more about the MANTIS Project below ....

See you at 7.30 - http://grooveradio.blogspot.co.nz/

MANTIS the live project will be performed at the Wellington Jazz Festival: Saturday 8 June 2013, 3pm - The Opera House

Click here for details http://jazzfestival.co.nz/shows/mantis-the-music-of-drew-menzies/

Rueben Bradley's MANTIS

Jazz and classical double-bassist Drew Menzies flew under the radar in life. Social media had yet to flourish and self-promotion was not in his nature.  Besides, says drummer and composer Reuben Bradley, ''he was the sort of guy who practised eight hours a day''.

He left New Zealand after he graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree to study for a master of music at Pennsylvania State University.
He played in the United States with classical and jazz orchestras and, in New Zealand, with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and others. He taught at Pennsylvania State University and as a guest lecturer in Wellington. He inspired. But at the age of 31, in 2007, at the top of his game, he died in the US.

Bradley, 35, saw him as one of New Zealand's premier double bass players, as an inspiration and a mate. He is in the final stages of arranging, recording and releasing a disc of Menzies' music for string quartet and jazz quartet, some of it discovered in Menzies' parents' Wellington home after his death.

Mantis: The Music of Drew Menzies, is being made with funding from Creative New Zealand.
Bradley's first disc, Resonator, won the Tui Jazz Album of the Year in 2011.

Mantis features the finest and most appropriate practitioners Bradley could corral - John Psathas (who taught Menzies in Wellington), the New Zealand String Quartet, Roger Manins (saxophone), Colin Hemmingsen, James Illingworth (piano, and a close friend of Menzies) and expatriate New Zealand Matt Penman, a bassist based in the US and a member of the San Francisco Jazz Collective. Bradley plays drums.

Penman, says Bradley, is ''the most fantastic double bass player there is'', but he was still ''the long shot'' in the lineup.

''The problem was who was going to play the bass. That was Drew's job.
''We played together a lot. You sit around afterwards and have a glass of wine and you don't say, 'Wow, that was great'. You don't do that as a musician.

''Working on the project has been cathartic. I feel as if I'm doing something really good for a mate.
''What's been really cool is to feel there's some really strong part of him still going.

''The music's still going and let's bring some recognition to his music. It's also a thank you to him for encouraging me and inspiring me.''

Bradley has spent a year on Mantis, although he has still managed teaching commitments at Scots College and the New Zealand School of Music and the occasional gig.
Bradley's own career has shades of Menzies' career. A few years ago, he contemplated study and a life in New York, encouraged by Menzies. In 2007, the year Menzies died, he caught up with him, and was accepted by two colleges to complete a master's degree, ''but you had to have $200,000 in a bank account before you even got a visa''. He abandoned the New York study idea, but took lessons with jazz great Barry Altschul. ''New York is really tough. He's 70 and a master, and does a gig once every two or three months. New York is saturated. I came back impatient to get into composition.''

Ad Feedback Resonator evolved from his New York experience. The subsequent Tui Award ''helped me get exposure and more performances'' and it established his credentials with Creative New Zealand for the Mantis project.
Mantis can be ordered from Bradley at reuben@reubenbradley.com or go to www.rattle.co.nz

The profits from the album will go to the Drew Menzies Memorial Scholarship, initially set up by Menzies' parents, to enable talented young bass players to receive intensive tuition from New Zealand Symphony Orchestra members at a week-long teaching camp held annually in Martinborough.

MANTIS the live project will be performed at the Wellington Jazz Festival: Saturday 8 June 2013, 3pm - The Opera House  

Click here for details http://jazzfestival.co.nz/shows/mantis-the-music-of-drew-menzies

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Also read more about the latest Rattle Releases on the Kid's site plus book reports etc at  http://adventuresofthecoffeebarkid.blogspot.co.nz/



The CoffeeBar Kid interviews Ali Harper

Click here to listen to the interview: http://coffeebarkid1.podomatic.com/entry/2013-05-11T01_41_02-07_00

One Show! Old St Pauls, Thorndon - 7.30 Tonight - Don't miss out!

Interview - Raybon Kan

The CoffeeBar Kid had a chat with veteren (and NOT just another Chinese) Comedian Raybon Kan.

 

Click here to listen to the interview: http://tim-gruar.podomatic.com/entry/2013-05-08T04_07_13-07_00.

He's playing at Floxglove from 7 -11 May (7.00 Book at www.Ticketek.co.nz)

How do you fix a fixation? How do you cure a curiosity? How hard should you suck for success? In this all-new show, Raybon plugs his finger into the false dichotomy, and whacks his lyrical. Remember, an apology a day keeps the dogma away. Expect to expectorate.

Best Comedian, Metro Reader’s Poll (1999, 2005)

Best Comedian, North & South (1999)

“The thinking woman’s comedian… Must-see, nerve-wrenching, white-knuckle comedy” Auckland Scene

http://www.comedyfestival.co.nz/