Sweet friendships and strange haircuts of life on the road

"Everything on it is bigger, more people, a bigger budget and more crafting of songs." Frank Burkitt

Frank Burkitt says he hasn’t had heartbreak in his life, so he writes his songs about stories, life moments and people he has met, instead.

He is touring with his band after releasing their new album Raconteur this month. He said the album spanned the genres of jazz, blues, folk, swing and ‘‘all things American roots’’.

‘‘We spent more time on this album than we ever have before. Everything on it is bigger, more people, a bigger budget and more crafting of songs.‘‘

Originally from Edinburgh, Scotland, Burkitt and his partner Kara Filbey moved to Wellington in 2014. After placing an ad for a double bass player on a noticeboard in the NZ School of Music, James Geluk put up his hand, as did Cameron Burnell, who plays mandolin, tenor banjo, and sings.

Burkitt said there was a big storytelling element to their gigs, which makes them a band suited to touring different venues.

‘‘Touring New Zealand is one of the best things a musician like me can do. Great venues, beautiful locations and audiences who love good songwriting. I have made so many great friends whilst touring in the past and can’t wait to make some new ones this time around.’’

One of Burkitt’s favourite stories to tell is the one behind The Gypsy Barber, ‘‘a foot-tapping ode to a chap in a little old caravan on the side of State Highway 3 in Te Awamutu’’.

‘‘Cameron and I were just saying how much we both needed a haircut when we saw this little caravan with a haircuts sign out front.

‘‘We thought it was serendipitous but it turns out the guy was really weird and we ended up with the worst haircuts ever.’’

The Frank Burkitt band play at Palmerston North’s Globe Theatre on April 6. Tickets are available from The Globe website.