Today was the reunion of the Monaco nightclub musicians and friends in Auckland New Zealand. The event was organized by Gary Davis and Terry Rouse.
Monaco Nightclub
The Monaco club itself was originally in Federal Street, however as it was replaced by high rise and new developments the event was subsequently held at the existing site of the old Top Twenty club in Durham Lane.
The main act was the Larry Morris band.
Gray Bartlett with Jodi Vaughan and Brendan Dugan, together with Eddie Low, were together again at the Turner Centre in Keri Keri New Zealand on November 4th 2017.
This sensational group have played to more than 500,000 people in New Zealand over something like twelve years.
Nelson was the city to host the two day Snapfest event on Friday 16th September 2016. The attraction for me was the Australian band “Mental as Anything” featuring Martin Cilia whom I have been following some time. Martin is a well established guitarist who is known for his ability throughout the world.
Bill-Belton
Here is a review of last years special concert with Ray Woolf and the Mike Walker Trio written by Bill Belton.
Ray Woolf with The Mike Walker Trio
Auckland Jazz and Blues Club PT Chev RSA
I’m still buzzing from a night of great music, mostly standards, all well known, and played and sung by wonderful musicians.
Jazz, Blues, Boogie and even Rock all with really interesting and powerful easy to listen to arrangements.
Having played with Ray in 4 different bands in the 60’s and 70’s including one with Mike, I know his voice and he has never been better. His renditions of standards were original, very entertaining and performed by a truly great singer.
The Mike Walker Trio with top Bassist Pete McGregor, and drummer extraordinaire Bruce King, played powerful, sensitive, and at at times “huge” backing for Ray.
Mike my all time favorite Kiwi keyboard player played with a style that only he is capable of.
His solo in Stormy Monday played with a “Jimmy Smith” Hammond tone was simply outstanding he raged over his keyboards and was suitably acknowledged by a knowledgeable audience.
His amazing timing and chord structures were a lesson on how a jazz keyboard should be played.
Mike was great in the 60’s and you just have to listen now to see where he has risen to, wow, just beautiful.
He appeared to be enjoying himself and he continued to add to my musical pleasure.
Ray has been for over 50 years, our most versatile, and talented entertainer topped off with having a great voice.
He has a feel for Jazz and Blues that few have achieved.
Yes, I am raving a bit but he is my favorite entertainer.
Thank you Auckland Jazz and Blues club, a place I have not been to before, however, it is a monthly night and it won’t be my last, especially if these great musicians are playing…..Bill Belton.
New Zealand’s number one guitarist and iconic Kiwi is Gray Bartlett MBE. Gray has just recently released his latest album Private Conversations and this album is a MUST buy. Hank Marvin has reviewed the album and has given it his thumbs up. Gray is currently touring New Zealand with a raft of New Zealand talent and has concerts lined up in all of the main centers around the country.
The Human Kindness Band reside in Nelson New Zealand.
One sensational group comprising of:
Bruce McGregor, Drums; Glynn Olsen, Lead Guitar; Steve Mitchell, Vocals, Slide Guitar, Guitar; Danny Sugar, Bass.
