TROPICAL DOWNBEAT ORCHESTRA: Self-titled
By Peter Dent
This funk septet is almost like the late James Brown's backing band, but with a modern-day Aretha Franklin or Billie Holliday on vocals. The group have outstanding power, a huge positive vibe and a good variety of music; the live audience in attendance were certainly appreciative. These are all monster players yet in my opinion vocalist Margot Pierand still manages to steal the show. This is an amazing recording (care of former Split Enz drummer Paul Crowther), with playful horn lines, plenty of band interplay and a stand-out vocal performance on the closer by Brother Charlie. It may not be surprising to learn that this Hawkes Bay collective consistently perform on stage for three hours straight, and that in their relatively short time together, they've already opened for US funk superstars, Tower of Power. Instrumentalists are Willie Devine (bass and keyboard), Matt Mear (trumpet), Wil Sargisson (keyboard, piano and percussion), Iraia Whakamoe (drums), Anton Wuts (saxophone) and Kurt Yates (guitar). Along with Pierand (and guest Brother Charlie) on vocals, Tropical Downbeat Orchestra are one
powerhouse of musical muscle. www.tdo.co.nz
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TROPICAL DOWNBEAT ORCHESTRA