Tami Neilson, Auckland New Zealand, 2017

Tami Neilson

15th June 2017
The Tuning Fork, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Sarah Kidd. Photography by Mike Thornton.

There are very few artists who can hold an audience over two separate sets. Luckily for those in attendance tonight at The Tuning Fork, Tami Neilson is the right woman for the job. Tonight’s show & indeed the ‘Songs of Sinners’ tour comprises of two halves; the first is made up of covers, lovingly hand-picked by Neilson herself. The second half of the show is a selection of Neilson’s own songs from her already outstanding discography.

Surrounded by her band that have to be one of the most dapper looking groups of gentlemen in Auckland tonight; Neilson is absolutely resplendent in a caped pink dress which is perfectly highlighted with rhinestones, mimicking the twinkle in her eye. Beginning in style, Neilson serenades us with the classic Howlin Wolf track ‘Evil (Is Going On)’, a song that gets under your skin and compels you to move your hips, even more so when Neilson breaks out the harmonica. She nods and smiles at the audience who are madly applauding her, obviously blown away by starting the night in such spectacular fashion “Thank you for coming out on a week night, a school night even. You bad asses … who are the lord’s children” she turns and slides a sly smile to those in the front row. “We are gathered here tonight, to take you on a journey; we’re going to take you on a journey of how gospel music became Rock n Roll”

And take us they did, on a voyage that travelled through the pages of musical history. Not only does Neilson have a phenomenal voice, one which is second to none; she is also one hell of a storyteller. She regales all with the background of each of the artists, amusing anecdotes peppered throughout. As she moved through the set, Neilson made singing look effortless; not surprising considering her upbringing. Born and raised in Canada, Neilson has been singing since she was merely a child; a member of The Neilsons, a band that comprised of both her parents as well as her two brothers. Together they travelled near and far supporting legendary artists such as Johnny Cash (the importance of which – Neilson admitted recently in an interview – did not dawn on her until later in her adult life). So how did we end up with this amazing talent here in New Zealand? Well, luckily for us she met, subsequently fell in love and married a Kiwi; settling here in 2007. Predominantly touted as a country singer, Neilson easily embraces Soul, Gospel, Blues and even a little Americana.

As we move through the artists, Neilson encourages us all to get involved, both with the dancing and offering up a rowdy “Amen” in the appropriate places. This was not about religion however; this was about history and the power of culture and song. Neilson’s cover of the classic ‘Wade in the Water’ was particularly stirring, the audience joining in on the chorus; it was if the spirits of the people who first sang these songs in times of slavery were hovering in the shadows.

However what really made this show what it was, was the combined talents of the band. Brett Adams, a well-known session guitarist was as always superb; making the strings sing, while Michael Hall on bass provided that throbbing undertone to many of the blues numbers. Joe McCallum on drums displayed multiple talents, not only with his drumming but use of tambourines and maracas (the man can multi-task!). Stand out talent however was Neil Watson on not only guitar but slide guitar, the latter winging you off to a southern gospel church with its magical timbre. The band members also proved that they had vocal talents of their own as they joined Neilson in a traditional acapella version of ‘Almost Home’ which was spine-tingling to say the least. Finishing with the foot-stomping Otis Rush ‘Reap What You Sow’, Neilson advised us all that they would be taking a short break before the second half of the show, which gave everyone time to recover from the amazing experience we had all just shared.

The Tuning Fork was fair humming by the time Neilson and co returned to the stage, everyone still soaring on the high gained from the first half of the night. Neilson had performed a quick costume change and was now dressed in a stunning royal blue Motown inspired dress. ‘Come Over’ immediately had the crowd back to toe tapping and hip shaking with its quick paced swing beat, Neilson appearing even larger than life when singing her own creations. Followed quickly by ‘Walk (Back to your Arms)’ where Neilson indeed appears to be channeling the spirit of Miss Winehouse herself and the crowd were almost beside themselves with joy. After a particularly sweet version of Happy Birthday for a wee fan who was turning five, Neilson was joined onstage by the marvelous local duo Hopetoun Brown for the gorgeous “dedicated to all the parents who haven’t slept in the last five years” ‘Loco Mama’.

The night went by in a flash and before too long it was all over, Neilson and co finishing with ‘Holy Moses’ which gave each of the band members the chance to farewell us with a stirring mini solo. “Don’t be greedy now” Neilson jested as they returned to the stage for a much sought after encore; ‘Hound Dog’ absolutely brining the house down with Neilson fully unleashing that outstanding voice upon us all.

This is a show not to be missed. Beg, borrow or steal, but get yourself a ticket to the remaining shows today!

Tami Neilson performing live at The Tuning Fork, Auckland, New Zealand 2017. Image by Mike Thornton.

Were you there at the Tuning Fork for this magnificent ‘songs of sinners’ extravaganza? Or have you seen Tami Neilson somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!