Tami Neilson, Auckland NZ, 2022

Tami Neilson (feat. The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra)

30th July 2022
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Auckland, New Zealand.

Review by Alexis Brook. Photography by Doug Peters.

What a magical evening spent last night in Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre as Tami Neilson & band (framed by the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra) commanded the attention of every audience member in this sold-out concert showcasing her latest album, Kingmaker. A night with Tami is always memorable and empowering.

Opening the evening with the title track “Kingmaker” firmly set the scene that behind every leader is a support network calling all the shots. I’m loving the headdresses that Tami has brought out for recent single releases – a crown-like symbol heralding reign over NZ’s Country music scene – It’s time for the rest of the world to sit up and pay attention because they are missing out.

Many of Tami’s songs speak up against inequalities and this album certainly does not shy away from this with lyrics weaved into her songs covering many themes including body autonomy, wealth distribution and the patriarchy in tracks such as “Baby You’re a Gun”, “Careless Woman”, “King of Country Music” and “Green Peaches”

Kingmaker is also scattered with other staple country themes of love and loss in songs such as “Beyond the Stars”, in which regular collaborator Delaney Davidson joined Tami on stage for the duet. Released as a single with THE Willie Nelson, this was just superb to hear live and one can only guess how Tami felt when she finally got to perform this in person with Willie at a recent North American tour. The fusion of an orchestra with Tami’s country rock style is seamless, and much kudos must go to the musical team at the APO, and to Victoria Kelly for the superb arrangements tonight.

Returning from intermission, the audience were reminded who’s in charge tonight, as “Mama’s Talking” shh-ed everyone in their seats, while “Queenie” was dedicated by Tami as the She-session (recession) anthem for all those who had to put their careers growth on hold to become full time teachers, referees and caregivers. 2014’s Silver Scroll winning single “Walk (Back To Your Arms)” is a bop, and even more enjoyable with an orchestra accompanying it. It’s a solid song that still holds it’s own nearly ten years later and with a cheeky smirk, Tami commented on how much she loves singing with a full orchestra and that her 3-piece band needs to bring full orchestra skills to all future shows, please.

Several years ago, Tami’s eldest barely stayed awake for four songs and at 2020’s CHICKABOOM! concert at the Civic, the boys made it to half time – so it was clearly thrilling that we were at the tail end of the show and family in the audience confirmed that everyone was still awake, just in time to be serenaded by “Manitoba Sunrise at Motel 6” from 2018’s album SASSAFRASS!, a song written ‘8000 miles from home’ while she was touring and they were back in NZ.

Finishing the evening was one of my all-time Tami favourites “You Were Mine”. This song is a stunner and I just can’t help belting it out myself whenever it cycles through my playlists. The raw emotion sends shivers down your spine, and one can almost adopt it to our relationship with Tami. The hands on the clock may go tick-tock-tick-tock, but that’s no way to measure time. It’s just before Tami and after Tami.

After a rousing standing ovation, and several minutes of cheering and clapping, Tami returned to stage in a head-to-toe golden gown, tucking us all into slumber with her bilingual single “Roimata/Cry Myself to Sleep”, a pleasant end to what was a grand showcase of why we love Tami and how the “King of Country Music” is most definitely the daughter.

2023 Taite Award Nominee Tami Neilson – photo by Doug Peters

Tami Neilson

Were you there at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre for this absolutely magnificent jaw-dropping performance? Or have you seen Tami Neilson perform live some other time? Tell us about it in the comments below!

Set List:

1. Kingmaker
2. Baby You’re A Gun
3. Careless Woman
4. Beyond The Stars (feat. Delaney Davidson)
5. King Of Country Music
6. Green Peaches
7. I Can Forget
8. The Grudge
9. Ain’t My Job
   Intermission
10. Mama’s Talking
11. Cry Over You
12. Queenie
13. Walk
14. Manitoba Sunrise
15. You Were Mine
16. Roimata [encore]

_{Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only. This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase a product using an affiliate link, Ambient Light will automatically receive a small commission at no cost to you.}

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