Amplifier

05.06.07

Luke Hurley Tour Finale

Iconic New Zealand singer/songwriter Luke Hurley has been on the road for the last two months touring the country to promote his newly released Best Of which features the highlights of his 25 year recording career to date. For those of you who don't know Luke, he is one of the unsung heroes of the New Zealand music scene and arguably our most well-known busker. The eighteen tracks on the compilation chart his progress from his first student radio hit 'Mona Lisa' to his most recent recording 'The Sound' which showcases Luke's 'new style' of open tunings and epic raga-like structures. Luke is a great songwriter with a strong social conscience and insightful lyrics but it's his guitar playing that never fails to amaze. When he plays live, at times you'll swear there are several guitars making up the incredible full sound, not just one man alone on stage.

If you're in the Auckland region you can catch him at the following venues:

8pm Wednesday 6th June
Cafe One 2 One
121 Ponsonby Rd
Ponsonby
Auckland

9pm Saturday 9th June
Leigh Sawmill
Leigh

Both gigs are $10 - doorsales only


Káren Hunter

Káren has just finished a highly successful 48 date national tour to promote her new album Rubble and is having a well-deserved rest. Here's what the critics have been saying about her album:

"That she can switch from a dirty jazz-blues rhythm section arrangement to a simple guitar-picking delivery to spoken word reveals Hunter as a major New Zealand talent. From every turn, Rubble is one rough-cut gem of an album." **** Waikato Times

"Rubble is a class act of an album – do your best to check it out. It will surprise those that are both longtime fans of Karen Hunter and impress those that had never heard of her." **** Dominion Post

"Rubble is a stunning and varied set that grows with each listening." NZ Musician

Káren will be touring again later in the year and will be performing a few special shows over the next couple months so we'll keep you posted about that. In the meantime feel free to go buy her album!


Tim Guy

Tim Guy is our latest signing on Monkey and he is currently recording his second album with the help of a few friends including Anika Moa and Anna Coddington. The album is due out mid-October. In the meantime you can catch him on the following dates:

Friday 22nd June
Leigh Sawmill
supporting Age Pryor

Saturday 23rd June
Schooner Tavern, Auckland
supporting Tommy


Ishta

We released Ishta's brilliant self-titled debut album a year ago and then just as they were poised on the brink of international success, the band promptly broke up. However, several of the members went on to form The Mamaku Project who released their album Karekare over summer to much critical acclaim and have been wowing audiences with their unique blend of Pacifica dub , jazz and middle eastern flavours. The Mamaku Project aren't on Monkey but they're our good friends so go buy their album and while you're at it get a copy of Ishta too...


Balkanetic

Balkanetic is the alter ego of Monkey Records founder DJ Monkey and he has been stirring up dancefloors lately with a highly infectious blend of Balkan Beats, Gypsyfloor, Klezmer and uplifting organic global grooves. You can catch him on the following dates around Auckland:

Thursday 7th June: Khuja Lounge
with Rites of Sojourn

Friday 15th June: Galatos
Bohemian Roots Sound System with The Mamaku Project and Jews Brothers

Saturday 23rd June: St Columba, Grey Lynn
Solstice Party


Bananas

Inspired by time spent in Cambodia last year, here is our current favourite recipe for bananas:

Cut several bananas in half lengthways and fry till golden in a little bit of olive oil or grill on a tray (choose fairly firm bananas or they will be too mushy).
Serve with a drizzle of maple syrup or golden syrup and coconut cream
Top with toasted sesame seeds and eat with friends yum.


Well that's about all the news we have for now, stay tuned. Till next time....