Little Bushman live with NZSO

Media Release: -For Immediate Release

Little Bushman live with NZSO

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is set to become the sonic tsunami behind the already powerful psychedelic blues-rock quartet Little Bushman. With the orchestral score composed by award winning classical composer, John Psathas this will be a collaboration of historic amplitude. For fans of powerful, soulful music, be it classical, Pink Floyd or Miles Davis, this will be an unforgettable experience.

On October 23, Little Bushman will be in their hometown to play a show that is set to become the stuff of legends. Held in the fine acoustic space of the Wellington Town Hall, the band will share the stage with the NZSO, a ‘back up’ group who will draw on centuries of acoustic amplification to lift Bushman’s music to a level of intensity that can only be achieved with the NZSO’s symphonic sound. Already known for its expertise in performing symphonic repertoire, Peter Walls (CEO, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra) says “This concert reinforces the Orchestra’s versatility and commitment to New Zealand music of all genres. We’re delighted to be part of this special collaboration with Little Bushman and John Psathas.”

Warren Maxwell (Trinity Roots, Fat Freddys Drop) says the band is excited about collaborating with the “most accomplished orchestral ensemble in Aotearoa.” Having performed with another NZ orchestra in July 2008, Warren, bassist Tom Callwood, drummer Rick Cranson, and guitarist Joe Callwood have some knowledge of what’s in store: “That was such a mind-blowing experience, that we thought it would be crazy to pass up the opportunity to do it again,” says Warren. “But bigger this time and with the NZSO in our hometown – Wellington!”

For those who missed out on the Auckland performance, or saw it and must participate once again, the Labour Weekend show will offer the perfect opportunity for a Wellington weekend to remember. And, according to Warren, those lucky enough to have been there in Auckland will be able to amplify the experience:

“John Psathas, who did the original arrangements, has re-written a few of the instrumental parts to reflect the enormous range of our national orchestra. We’ve also tweaked the set a bit to really showcase our own material as well. Being such a huge opportunity for us, we will also be recording the concert for release early to mid 2010.”

Those who are already aware of Little Bushman and their unparalleled, full and dynamic version of 60s inspired blues rock will know that the mesh of these two intense musical mediums will be mind blowing.

This concert with Little Bushman & the NZSO is one tsunami you don't want to run from.

Little Bushman live in concert with the NZSO, at the Wellington Town Hall 23 October, 8 pm. Tickets through Ticketek

www.myspace.com/littlebushmanband www.facebook.com/littlebushman

www.ticketek.co.nz www.nzso.co.nz

Editors Note: Little Bushman: - vocals / keys - Warren Maxwell bassist - Tom Callwood drummer Rick Cranson guitarist Joe Callwood

Litlle Bushman formed in 2004 and have released two studio albums – 'Onus Of Sand' (2006) and 'Pendulum' (2007).

The four performers in Little Bushman are alumni of the Wellington Jazz School, where they studied during the 1990s before joining and forming various bands. For Warren Maxwell (vocals/keys) those bands were Fat Freddy’s Drop, where he played saxophone, and Trinity Roots, where his soulful vocals and guitar won the hearts and minds of listeners throughout Aotearoa.

Drummer Rick Cranson joined a long list of bands, including The Elephant Men, Cleatus, Green Herring, Dead End Beat and the Kris Wanders Unit. Bassist Tom Callwood and guitarist Joe Callwood were both involved in jazz-experimental groups like Syzygy Creative Music Ensemble and Urban Taniwha. Both have also played with many international artists featured at Wellington’s Jazz Festivals. Joe runs his recording studio in Island Bay – also known as Bushies HQ -- and Tom has made recordings with Fat Freddy’s Drop, Trinity Roots, Sam Scott, Leila Adu and The Phoenix Foundation.

John Psathas: -

John Psathas has received numerous awards and honours, including twice winning the SOUNZ Contemporary APRA Silver Scroll Award (2002 and 2004) for individual work and two Classical CD of the Year awards (2000 and 2004). In 2003 he was made a New Zealand Arts Foundation Laureate and in 2005 was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM).

Known as the composer who wrote much of the protocol music for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympics, John's music is heard regularly on the world's concert stages. John has written music for and collaborated with Evelyn Glennie, Michael Brecker, Joshua Redman, Serj Tankian, Pedro Carneiro, Federico Mondelci, Michael Houstoun, the New Zealand String Quartet, the New Zealand Trio, and many fine orchestras. Born in Wellington New Zealand in 1966, where he now lectures at the New Zealand School of Music. www.johnpsathas.com

Higher resolution of this photo can be downloaded from: http://files.me.com/thelabelnz/lrjhab

Photo Credit: Pat Shepherd

ENDS

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