This week let’s have a look at two very different local releases.

The first occurred last weekend, a show at the Jam Factory where John Michaelz launched his new album, somewhat circularly named The John Michaelz Band Live @ The Jam Factory. Notable is that the album was recorded with the same band at the same venue at a similarly sold-out show last July.

That appeals for several reasons: there’s something neatly efficient about the concept; and it’s a case of Tauranga music, by default the local soundtrack to our lives, leaving a footprint.

For so many decades, before such recording was easy, bands that existed for years disappeared without leaving a lasting trace except as a memory. Even now bands vanish like wave-swept footprints. But not here. Here’s a concert that remains, an audio snapshot of what long-standing singer-songwriter John Michaelz sounded like in 2025. I wish more people did it.

Bootleg

The thing is, it’s not hard. This describes itself as “a bootleg recording” and I understand it was pretty much that – a recorder plonked down near the stage. Sound on the first couple of songs is a bit dodgy but it settles down quickly and what is lost in crisp hi-fi is compensated for by a cooking band, particularly the grooves of drummer Curtis Edwards and bass player Simon Mottram, and Mike Kirk’s sparkling guitar.

The nine songs dip into John’s long career, from bands such as Hard To Handle and The Stone Babies to recent solo material, though the hardcore reggae of 2023’s Soul Exodus is largely absent, the vibe leaning towards blues rock. It is available, along with a dazzling array of merch, from John’s website.

Something for the kids

Meanwhile, I’ve been meaning to write more about singer-songwriter Chanelle Davis, originally from Tauranga. She has released a second album of children’s songs following 2017’s The Little Green Turtle and Other Songs for Kids.

The new one is Creature Groove and Other Songs for Kids, led by the delightful chart-topping title track which features Tami Neilson, The Topp Twins and fiddler Miriam Burns. There are guests throughout and I realise here I’m talking about an album aimed at kids but, damn, they do a good job.

Far be it from me to analyse individual lyrics, but anyone who sings about bananas gets a thumbs up from me. The same goes for tadpoles, dinosaur bones, giant wetas and much other subject matter. Most are jaunty and cheerful, though Little Pekapeka serves as a fine lullaby and the closer, Heart Song, is a real cockle-warmer.

These simple, well-crafted songs really impress. They’re unthreatening while managing a total lack of condescension either lyrically and musically. You don’t have to be dumb to aim at the young. Good job Chanelle!

OK. Gigs. I have two to recommend next Friday: March 13 either rock out with legends The Datsuns at Totara Street or enjoy New Zealand’s finest bluegrass with You, Me, Everybody at The Jam Factory. Not a bad choice – have fun.

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