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Writer's pictureAmanda Riddell

Gig review: Glen Downie and Liam Furey

Gig review: Glen Downie and Liam Furey


Disclosure: I used to flat with Glen, and we've jammed together.


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No amount of peer pressure will ever persuade me to play Tina.


It's just irritating to feel that, and that's why I changed my mind: I didn't want to be responsible for people's livelihoods based on my performing skills.


I also don't particularly want to work with the NZSM or NZSO: that recent swipe about the Town Hall felt great, and that's what editorial freedom allows me to do. 👍


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Gorgeous venue: St. James Anglican Church in Lower Hutt.


Very small audience. 4 people so far.


Interesting program: Hindemith and Schoenberg mixed with improv.


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6 people in the audience at 3pm; nobody seems in a rush to start.


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Glen described the program as a survey of 20th Century harmonic techniques, and it has all the pretty chords.


The improv was quite successful: Glen and Liam had a good dialogue. -


The Hindemith was solid; Glen showing off his classical sax chops.


Really enjoyed Not A Ballad by Marc Copland: totally new to me, and very clever.


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Schoenberg: Three Piano Pieces


Liam has really great touch: full of rhythmic drive and textural clarity.


This is on an upright piano rather than a grand piano, which I think balanced well with the alto sax.


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The final piece by Glen was quite good; overall an enjoyable concert - the textures felt a little same-y, but that was the point.


A final plug: Glen recorded some vocal pieces recently with Barbara Paterson, and is trying to get them on RNZ Concert. 🥝👋


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