Mick Harvey & Amanda Acevedo
2nd February 2024
Meeanee Memorial Hall, Meeanee, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
One of the positive outcomes from the rethink and reconstruction that occurred post-pandemic was the genesis of the Small Hall Sessions. A concept truly unique in its particular application, whereby musicians ply their trade in the heart of Hawkes Bay’s diverse communities. Such is their reputation that their fame has spread worldwide, with enquiries being made on a daily basis from artists keen to get on board. Generally the performers are from Aotearoa, but from time to time international artists also appear, as with the previous iteration’s Sissos, and this time around that theme continued with Mick Harvey and Amanda Acevedo. For those who may not be familiar with their names, Mr Harvey formed a wee band in the mists of time, called The Birthday Party, with, among others, a young fellow by the name of Nick Cave, and following their dissolution, was a member of The Bad Seeds for some years. And Amanda is his companion in his latest musical enterprise. Together they wowed a full house in the settlement of Meeanee.
First on the bill, however, was violinist Anita Clark, in her playing persona of Motte, with a set of intricate and intimate songs, largely based around looping and persistent rhythms. There is often a cinematic feel to this material, as befits its frequent use on soundtracks. I’ve previously encountered Anita when she played with Don McGlashan on his last tour, and since then she’s added a theremin to her bag of tricks. She confessed to being in a state of still getting used to its wondrous delights, but what we saw of it provided a teaser of the sonic joys which will ensue as they get to know each other better! Another element of her palette is a library of field recordings from a diversity of sources, and these are used to great effect in the building of soundscapes. A fascinating interlude, from the space somewhere in between Laurie Anderson and Julee Cruise.
The main act then took to the bright lights, confessing to a degree of nerves, but also expressing confidence that his fellow travellers (Amanda, Anita and special guest Paula Sugden) would get him through, in an inspiring endorsement of distaff power! Leading off with a piece that has wormed its way in to my heart in recent years, Tim Buckley’s “Song to the Siren”, we were already on a high note, and things only got better from there. The next song, “Creators of Rain” introduced Amanda’s vocals in to the mix, and the interplay that ensued demonstrated the promise of the project.
This is a venture based largely around paying tribute to history, the first song to emerge from it being a cover of “Milk and Honey”, by the somewhat obscure Jackson C Frank. A version of Pat Benatar’s “Love is a Battlefield” was a very interesting exercise, their deconstructed and laidback approach bringing a world-weary feel that is quite in keeping with the lyrical content (well most of it anyway, not so much the “we are young” stuff!). Taking the source back to even before any audience members were born (yes, that long ago!), right back to 1922, in fact, was “Suitcase in Berlin”, an ode to the German capital from a more innocent time.
There is an openness of sound, and distillation of history, about this pairing that calls to mind that of Robert Plant and Alison Krauss, in its acknowledgement and appreciation of what has gone before, and sharing it with fresh ears. But as with that duo, there’s a freshness of touch that refuses to let itself be too constrained by excessive reverence, making for an inspiring package.
Such is the respect for their sources that both Tim Buckley and Jackson C Frank contributed a further song each to the set list (“Phantasmagoria in 2”, and “If You Can”, respectively). “Blue Unicorn” introduced a bi[lingual] element, with Amanda supplying the Spanish bits.
Ultimately, though, there are two themes that emerge from this performance.
The first is that, at its heart, is a man with a considerable history. But it is one that is worn lightly, far more of a comfortable coat than it is a suffocating blanket. A foundation for further exploration, rather than an anchor.
The second, and this is to neither condescend nor damn with faint praise, is that the artists of Aotearoa who are more typically gracing the stages of the Sessions deserve to stand proudly alongside international guests such as these – their contributions are every bit as valuable, their material just as valuable – the only division being that of exposure and/or opportunity. Kia Kaha Ngā Pūoro!
Mick Harvey & Amanda Acevedo:
Motte:
Were you there at the Meeanee Memorial Hall for this intimate gig? Or have you seen Mick Harvey & Amanda Acevedo perform live sometime else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
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