Hollie Smith
6th October 2017
Crystal Palace, Auckland, New Zealand.
Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Chris Zwaagdyk.
It has been ten years since Hollie Smith released her double platinum Long Player album in May of 2007; an album that put her on the map of New Zealand music and crowned her as one of New Zealand’s best soul and jazz singers. Following five dates around the country it seems appropriate that her sixth and final show is being performed in the iconic Crystal Palace, a place which embodies the spirits of days gone by in its beautifully patterned décor. As the last show of the tour there is also a little sweetener if you will, that being the appearance of Teeks in support.
But first the wonderful Mark Vanilau who has been supporting Smith on this tour as not only a solo act in his own right but as a backing singer in her band as well. Seated behind a keyboard, a light grey hoodie pulled over his head, Vanilau exudes a calm that would instantly settle even the most restless of souls; his voice, one of pure tranquility melding with his piano playing. Upon completion of this wonderful opener to the evening, Vanilau conveys his philosophy on surviving abuse and finding forgiveness, sadly something that many New Zealanders could relate to. Inviting the audience to his imaginary “lounge” (Vanilau likes to pretend he is just jamming there when he performs in public) to “chill out and have a drink’ he entertains all with a moving piano solo. Finishing on ‘Giant Of The Sea’ from his Dark Horizon EP – a song dedicated to the memory of his father with a promise to continue to pass down his stories through the generations – and it is safe to say that Vanilau has made more than a few new admirers tonight.
Teeks may be youthful but his voice is that of an old soul; having recently released his EP Grapefruit Skies, you would be hard pressed to find anyone who has not fallen in love with this young mans’ music. Beginning his set with ‘Wash over Me’ the room is transfixed by the artist standing before them on stage, accompanied by just a single keyboard player. “Kia Ora”, he smiles at the audience eliciting cheers from around the room; what follows is a short but beautiful greeting in Maori. While obviously nervous speaking in public (which does nothing but add to his overwhelming and genuine charm) Teeks pushes on regardless to speak of how he grew up listening to Hollie Smith and how he is so eternally grateful to be able to share a stage with the songstress herself. While only a five song set, Teeks manages to display his full range of vocal skills while at the same time engaging his audience, asking them to assist him at one point by collectively clicking their fingers in time. Finishing with his hit single ‘If Only’ which is just such a glorious piece of music and Teeks has just proved to all just why he has been nominated for no less than three Vodafone music awards this year. It was just a shame that the row of young women sitting behind the sound desk could not have paid the young artist (who they had previously just commented on “absolutely loving!”) the respect of not talking through his entire set in rather loud screechy overtones.
A short interval gives the audience a chance to grab a glass and settle in for the evening’s main act. Hollie Smith’s backing band for the night arriving on stage quietly and waiting patiently for Smith to arrive.
When she does it is with an air of splendor as she almost floats onto the stage. Wearing what can only be described as a pacific/Japanese fusion, Smith looks almost regal in a floor length open Kimono style coat. A long black skirt (her favourite from Jetset Bohemian) with matching crop top completing the outfit and keeping in tone with her dark make-up and plaited hair.
The evening is a celebration of her long player album and as such it is also a journey through the history of each song on the album itself; Smith while not the most natural of story tellers managing to bring honesty and integrity to each anecdote and on occasion (especially when speaking about how she broke her foot slipping on wet tiles) a self-deprecating sense of humour.
By the third song, the aptly titled ‘Philosophy’ the audience are hooked; not only is Smith one hell of a songstress (to be fair this is a point that has never been in question) but she is accompanied by a band of such high calibre that the combination of the two elevates the entire night into the realms of the heavens. The harmonizing on each and every track is held down by Mark Vanilau and Lisa Tomlins, while a bass solo from the outstanding Marika Hodgson later in the night threatened to shake the very floorboards. Visually Daniel Hayles is a delight to watch as he tilts his keyboard vertically, giving the audience a front facing view of his handiwork. Nestled just behind him on lead guitar Tyson Smith occasionally unleashes on the strings and leaves mouths agape as his fingers fly. Holding it all together like an anchor is the talented Darren Mathiassen on drums, not only an outstanding musician but by Hollie Smith’s own admission a wonderful friend and confident.
The middle of the set was punctuated with what has to be one of the best jazz/scat/instrumental pieces that Auckland audiences have ever had the privilege of witnessing; each player in turn being given the opportunity to shine before the entire group of seven converged to bring it home to rapturous applause. In stark contrast this was followed just a couple of songs later (and after a superb rendition of ‘Miracles’) by the heart-wrenching “Come For Me Here’ which as Smith stated was written with a sense of positivity but has obviously over the years taken on some deeper personal meanings for Smith; her emotion visible to all as she turned away for a few moments upon its conclusion.
After a short pause at which point the audience heartily demanded an encore by stamping their feet on the weathered floorboards of the Crystal Palace and the band returned; Smith joining them moments later. A small technical issue with Tyson Smith’s guitar had Hollie Smith gently chiding him “Oh so it’s your bad …” and providing a little humour to the situation as Tyson desperately did some running repairs.
By this point Hollie Smith was welcoming audience members to come up and dance; two young ladies gladly stepping up to twirl about in front of the stage. This set off a wonderful chain reaction and soon half of the audience was dancing in time to the music. It was then that Smith spoke of a man who has been “pivotal” in her musical career; inviting an older gentleman up onto the stage, Smith introduced the audience to her High School Music teacher who will be retiring at the end of this year. It was a touching moment and a small insight into Smith’s childhood; her love and respect for both her teacher and the art of jazz evident; her cover of ‘God Bless The Child’ further cementing this.
With almost the entire audience on their feet it was time to bring the night to a close; and what better way to do so but with the song that first put Smith on the map; ‘Bathe In The River’ sounding just as fresh as it did eleven years ago. From side of stage stepped Teeks, joining Smith on vocals and taking the song home with love and light – something that everyone will be feeling after tonight’s soulful performance.
Hollie Smith:
Mark Vanilau:
TEEKS:
Were you there at Crystal Palace for this magnificent soul music extravaganza? Or have you seen Hollie Smith perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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