Amplifier

13.1.11
[press release]

Her Make Believe Band and The Bads are very excited to announce their joint New Zealand tour in February 2011. Designed with a 'show' in mind, there will be sets from each band, as well as various collaborations throughout each night.

Both bands are excited about performing in their original line-ups and are really looking forward to the musical collaboration the tour will allow, with the chance to explore new and old songs with the wide range of talent and experience the two bands bring together.

Led by New Zealanders Cy Winstanley and Vanessa McGowan, Her Make Believe Band is a London-born band who play a masterful blend of Americana fused with jazz, soul and pop. Her Make Believe Band's debut NZ tour earlier this year resulted in a number of sold out shows and wide-reaching media attention for both the tour and debut album, AM Radio. The album has also received critical acclaim in the UK, with Uncut Magazine describing songwriter/vocalist/guitarist Winstanley as "a potent songwriter with a voice gently reminiscent of Paul Simon", while noting the "beguiling harmonies" of vocalist/bassist McGowan.

"A delightful album...hooks you in with melodies and keeps you there by virtue of the words...very sharp stuff" - Graham Reid, www.elsewhere.co.nz

The Bads (Dianne Swann and Brett Adams) released their second album, So Alive, in 2009. Filled with gorgeous melodies and pop songs that shimmer with a country vibe, it garnered rave reviews upon release, including a 4-star NZ Herald review describing the album as a "relaxed and cohesive affair which lets the songs breathe with rustic charm and fine tunes".

Also a London born collaboration, Brett and Dianne achieved critical success in the UK music press and live circuit with their band The Julie Dolphin. Now based in NZ, The Bads have supported Lucinda Williams, The Jayhawks and The Swell Season, and had their music played on the Hunger For the Wild TV series, Outrageous Fortune, and American TV series The Unit and Kyle XY. Meanwhile, Brett has gained his rightful place as one of the country's top guitarists, performing with Tim Finn.

A special feature on this tour with both bands is Auckland-based banjo, fiddle, guitar and vocalist Dave Khan who is a prominent fixture on the Auckland scene and has played with Don McGlashan, Hello Sailor, Auckland Philharmonia, Tami Nielson and Charlie Ash.

The generous number of dates on the tour will give a good number of New Zealanders the chance to catch this unique collaborative experience.

TOUR DATES

Wednesday 2 February
Mighty Mighty, Wellington

Thursday 3 February
Franks, Greymouth

Friday 4 February
The Riverhouse, Wanaka

Saturday 5 February
Chicks Hotel, Dunedin

Sunday 6 February
Harbour Light, Lyttleton

Monday 7 February
Geraldine Hotel, Geraldine

Wednesday 9 February
Fairfield House, Nelson

Thursday 10 February
Le Cafe, Picton

Saturday 12 February
Reperatory Theatre, Whanganui

Sunday 13 February
The Bent Horseshoe Cafe, Tokomaru

Wednesday 16 February
The Cabana, Napier

Thursday 17 February
Orca Bar, Raglan

Friday 18 February
OSPA Theatre, Onewhero

Sunday 20 February
The Classic, Auckland

Ticketing information available at www.hermakebelieveband.com/tourinformation.htm