Random Play by Graham Reid

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Random Play: Following The Songlines

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  • Jennifer B,

    Music tribalism is SO last century.... people just need to get over revelling in seperateness and realise that sneering at other peoples taste is just them avoiding the bleeding obvious. That it's all OK and in the words of the great Tom Robbins they need to LIGHTEN UP. Have missed the Kim Hill Leonard Cohen thing due to being away but I did originally think it was a great idea when I heard he was coming - now I'm not so sure. What if Kim f's it up, f's him off? There'd be no coming back from that one.... Kim, do you dare go there?!

    Auckland • Since Jun 2008 • 5 posts Report Reply

  • robbery,

    I was right at the back, and elevated.

    if you're right at the back there is practically no echo which makes it the one good spot to be in. unfortunately you're as far away from the stage as you can get.
    right in the middle is the worst for slap back echo.
    A solution is to ping the echo in a different direction with tiered seating and people filling them will absorbing sound. Its still a sports venue though.
    re being up front at a gig sometimes you're between the speakers and unable to hear them as is the case in wide stages such as the james hay theatre in chch. you're essentially hearing reflected sound, on stage sound coming form the bands amps, and no vocals since these all go through the PA. A well set up system would take into account the dead spot and have some in fill speakers but many riggers don't bother cos they stand at the mixing consol and say it sounds fine.

    new zealand • Since May 2007 • 1882 posts Report Reply

  • Tom Semmens,

    Vector is a venue that is long overdue, but in fine Auckland fashion almost everything that can be done to wreck your experience has been done. The sound varies, but generally it isn't that good - purely as a result of a rushed finishing of the building and a penny wise and pound foolish approach. The pricing is over-inflated, the venue costs a fortune to hire on a turnkey only basis, there are no corporate facilities (i.e. corporate boxes) and last but by no means least the catering is so abysmal as to be beyond the ordinary compass of consumer experience. Maybe the limit of two drinks per person could possibly be justified. Maybe the outrageous prices in return for piss-poor choice and shocking service can be justified. Maybe the ridiculous rules around taking the top off every drink has a rationale. But why, oh why, does the person who takes your order & money have to be the same person who then proceeds to get your order, open each and every bottle, decant it, and give it to you? Have the idiots who run the catering at vector never heard of the revolutionary principle of division of labour? Or is it hat the caterers, in the finest traditions of New Zealand capitalism (Faye Richwhite et. al.), simply see the punters as a captive audience to be as thoroughly rorted and exploited as the available time will allow???

    Sevilla, Espana • Since Nov 2006 • 2217 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    It did set me wondering about what kind of music is is okay to judge people on.

    Liking Wagner doesn't mark you down as a Nazi in my book, but I really have a problem taking anyone who really likes that turgid, pretentious sludge entirely seriously.

    Hope you're not going to bring that righteous and campy wrath.

    Not at all, Mr. Matthews. Ella Fitzgerald didn't write a note or a single lyric in her utterly sublime series of "Song Book" albums -- but the taste shown in the band, production, choice of material and (most of all) performances by one of the mistresses of jazz is impeccable.

    I'd rather listen to someone who has the judgement and ability to do something interesting with another writer's material, than another dreary original.

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Craig Ranapia,

    On the sound quality side, I went to Steely Dan last year and the sound was simply awesome.

    Then again, Messers Fagan and Becker are somewhat anal about such things... :)

    North Shore, Auckland • Since Nov 2006 • 12370 posts Report Reply

  • Bob Munro,

    If I break a leg or get called away somewhere, I am happy to let you have my ticket. To date, however, I have every intention of getting to the Jan 22 concert.

    If It comes off as well as Gerry Smith found the London Concert it sounds like it will be worth the (considerable) outlay.

    The show was outstanding – a great setlist and Cohen performance helped, but it was outstanding technically, too: crystal clear sound, probably the best I’ve heard outside a village hall; three enormous video screens, filled all night with broadcast-quality pictures; and beautiful lighting.
    A mighty gig – in an arena: I was mightily surprised. The show was obviously a Leonard organisation production. But the point is – the O2 Arena accommodated it, comfortably.

    Christchurch • Since Aug 2007 • 418 posts Report Reply

  • Simon Grigg,

    Not at all, Mr. Matthews. Ella Fitzgerald didn't write a note or a single lyric in her utterly sublime series of "Song Book" albums -- but the taste shown in the band, production, choice of material and (most of all) performances by one of the mistresses of jazz is impeccable.

    Not to take anything away from the voice but much of the rest of the credit for the above should correctly go to the legendary Norman Granz.

    Just another klong... • Since Nov 2006 • 3284 posts Report Reply

  • Tony Kennedy,

    Funny, every body in the audience at Richard Thompson seemed to know the words

    Leonard Cohen’s .....(There’s a show I’d like to see, but cannot afford the whopping ticket price).

    I noticed in todays SST that Auckland had not sold out, yet (Welly sold out on the day the tickets went on sale :-).

    Graham if you want any encouragement, check out this review of the Dublin show of June 14 this year. (Typical Irish summer weather by the look of it as well)

    Wellington • Since Nov 2006 • 225 posts Report Reply

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