The music scene in Tauranga may seem quiet but there's always something bubbling away under the surface.
Whether it's regular jam sessions, touring bands passing through or new national success for an act like Mount Maunganui's Joseph and Maia – check them out on YouTube or itunes – things happen on a lot of levels. There are currently albums being recorded at Welcome Bay's The Colourfield, and Whakamarama's Boatshed and Soundtree studios and music is being produced in numerous smaller studios in the Bay.
Today we've got a couple of recent albums for review, both quite different.
B-Side band have been around for a few years now. They've previously released a mini-CD and two full length albums mixing their own songs with carefully-selected 'b-sides”, forgotten classics, often with a Kiwi connection. They have played at jazz festivals here and the blues festival in Rotorua and are a band for hire. On their new release they are augmented by the recent addition of guitarist Mike Kirk, making them a four-piece.
On the other hand, June Armstrong doesn't really perform live as far as I'm aware. She sings for family and friends as far as I'm aware and a couple of years back she made a CD of country favourites at The Colourfield. And a very nice little project it was too. Now she's back with an encore.
If you want to get hold of either of these albums, drop me an email at [email protected] and I'll point you in the right direction.

B-Side Band- At the Hideout
The latest recording from B-Side Band is a six-track mini CD of original compositions. As expected, the boys offer up a musical mix of electric white boy blues, R&B and rockabilly, the exception being 'Eldorado”, a Jeff Beck-styled Bolero.
As the genres B-Side Band work within are my favourites, I was rather looking forward to throwing this on the stereo and giving it a good old window rattling (my neighbour's as well as my own) tweak. And so it was, twenty-two minutes later, the anticipated high energy electric aural gratification I was expecting to experience had failed to materialise, and had been replaced with a slightly sad and forlorn state of mild disappointment and frustration.
Though repeat playing allowed for recognition and acknowledgement of the obvious quality of the compositions - sly, humorous and well-delivered lyric; excellent musicianship and interplay between harmonica and lead guitar - I was still unable to get past the somewhat pedantic, slavish and on occasion downright awkward rhythm section. Rather than augmenting, supporting and highlighting the excellent vocals and lead duelling it seemed to distract from and dull down what should otherwise have taken flight. I suspect the unwavering doggedness of the rhythm section may be as a result of it only being a two-piece (due to the considered and intentional omission of a bass player), and that it would likely be less intrusive in a live setting.
In essence, this CD is a collection of well-crafted, (mostly) blues-based, down and gritty, electric rock and billy songs, that for me - and I must declare that I am an absolute sucker for slick and slap bass grooves - got hijacked by an overbearing rhythm arrangement. I strongly suggest you check it out for yourself and prove me wrong.

June Armstrong – Thru The Years
One of the positives coming from increased access to recording technology is that it makes albums like this charming labour of love possible. For her second outing June has picked a collection of her favourite country songs – from, as the title ungrammatically says, 'thru” the years – added a song written for her father, and collaborated with Welcome Bay's sound wizard Tim Julian to produce a polished and professional CD.
Much credit must go to the team of local musicians whom Tim has assembled. He handles keyboard and bass duties himself while drummer Ian 'Beano” Gilpin lays down a solid yet sensitive bed, Mike Kirk and Al Campbell supply, respectively, acoustic and electric guitars and there is good fiddle from Alison Fitzpatrick and pedal steel from Harold Strong. There is also some lovely backing singing courtesy of Calista Nelmes (from Girls College) and Liz Tamblyn.
June's voice may be a little looser than previously but she still has a lovely sincere approach to a song and the material here, from 'Tennessee Waltz” to 'If Teardrops Were Silver” will be a perfect fit for many older country fans.