Live Review: The Acoustic Church Tour

06 Dec 2009

Carmen Anderson reviews this all star kiwi performance held at our own St Michael and All Angels church.
Featuring Greg Johnson, Boh Runga, Nathan King & Lydia Cole.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a long line of people waiting to get into church – and this in the grey and drizzle! I’ll admit it felt strange to hear Lydia Cole, young newcomer and opening act, saying “Welcome to church” as the gig began. Nonetheless, I was so quickly drawn in by her floaty and innocent voice that I gave up my confusion about a church setting and imagined myself snuggled up in a bach with a warm coffee.

Second to the stage was ex-Zed front-man now acoustic pop musician, Nathan King. Despite having his vocal mix a tad scratchy he was an easy crowd-pleaser. Of particular note was his fiercely worshipful song “Liberation,” which led me unawares into a prayerful moment sitting in that beautiful venue.

Having rested sore backsides during the intermission it was then time for the main course. Melodic pop favourite Greg Johnson and Boh Runga of Stellar* fame added their own flavours to each other’s tunes as they played a variety of instruments while weaving gorgeous harmonies throughout the set. I left having heard four of Aotearoa’s more distinctively rich voices... and I don’t mind lining up for that.

Words: Carmen Anderson