I’m just blown away by the magic that is Tami Neilson, and Jamie McPhail - the Small Hall Sessions are really quite something incredible.. Read more below x
Photos by Morgan Dysart Photography - review below - at Ambient light
Tami Neilson
12th January 2021
Meeanee Memorial Hall, Meeanee, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
The new year, and the (almost) concurrent move to traffic lights, have brought with them the welcome return of the Small Hall Sessions, and what better way to kick off than with the adopted Queen of New Zealand country music? For some two hours the redoubtable Tami Neilson had 150 people in the palm of her hand, with her tales, her songs, and that incredible voice!
Before Tami’s appearance, though, the entrancing Hera, all the way from Iceland via Otautahi, wove a musical spell that left many wanting more, with plaintive Scandi-tinged tales encompassing themes such as open hearts, secondhand vision, and the joy of purgative expression – all delivered in a voice of angelic purity. The perfect aural appetiser for the treats to follow. She’s scheduled to return to these parts in March for a full set, and based on tonight’s performance should attract a substantial audience.
With the crowd’s appetite having been whetted, in short order followed the star of the show. Tami gave advance warning of the possibility of excessive verbosity, this being her first time back on the boards for five months, thanks to the joys of lockdown. The warning proved to not be necessary, with attendees hanging on every word be it sung or spoken.
Not only was this her first rodeo for some time, but it also marked a first solo (i.e. without a backing ensemble) show for some ten years! As if this wasn’t enough pressure to be under, this run of sessions are providing a space in which to air a number of brand new songs, the first one of which invited audience participation. In spite of a conspicuous dearth of melanin in the room, and the effect of this on rhythmic abilities, Sgt Nielson managed to bring it home, corralling her co-opted crew through to a conclusion that left no-one unsatisfied! Surely a reflection of her many nights’ experience in such situations.
As hinted previously, there was a strong element of anecdote and reminiscence on show, and this only served to further enhance the experience, with tales ranging across a number of years and topics, a not-insignificant one involving pyjamas and a man in black – but we best leave that one there!
One of the new songs to emerge, blinking into the light, explored, in its emphasis on rhythm and meter, the common origins of country and hip-hop (not a connection often considered, it must be said) with lyrics that called to mind Talking Heads’ “The Great Curve”. A very interesting piece indeed.
Having taken on the mantle of citizenship in her adoptive country, Tami considered it a proud marker to be asked to contribute to the Waiata/Anthems project in recent times, and her contribution to that endeavour, “Roimata”, closed out the first set on a high note.
The second set opened strongly with “No Good For My Soul”, with powerful vocals giving the lie to the lyrics – may not be good for the soul, but sure as fuck inspiration for some magic from the vocal chords!
The string of new songs continued through this set, particular highlights being the duo inspired by paternal reminiscence, “I Can Forget” and “Beyond The Stars”, both equally poignant in their conveying of the sense of loss of a powerful presence. Beautifully heart-rending indeed, and increasing the anticipation for the new album due to drop later this year.
As the night started to draw to a close, Tami spoke, with a sense of weariness, of the ability to find “pockets of joy” amidst the prevailing air of foreboding, and for what seemed like an all-too-brief moment provided much joy to those gathered together.
Her pleasure at having “survived” the experience was palpable, and led in to the impromptu choice of “Queenie, Queenie” as an encore, in response to an audience request, the performance added to by the revelation that the percussive element in early versions was provided by the slapping of cheeks (facial ones, that is!) – thankfully, for the state of her complexion, a raid on her boys’ toybox provided a more enduring instrumental ensemble!
And then it was over – the Small Hall Sessions back with a bang, promising much both in the short and long terms. There are still tickets available for the later shows in this current quintet – go to smallhallsessions.co.nz to get yours!