Singers celebrated in new show
Bringing female New Zealand singers together and highlighting their contribution to our music scene is a dream show for singer Debbie Gamble, and one that she is finally making happen.
Her Manawatu¯ band Quiet Storm was just a two-piece when it formed about six years ago and the idea of a show with songs from female singersongwriters throughout New Zealand’s musical history was talked about.
‘‘It wasn’t till we got a band behind us that I started to think we could really actually do it. So it’s something we have been working on for a while.’’
The first half of the show is dedicated to the trailblazers, the women who did it tough and forged the way, and the second half covers more recent artists. The songs they will perform are ones that, as a cover band singer, Gamble said she didn’t get to perform often enough.
‘‘Cover bands do tend to sing the same songs and I have really wanted to showcase some of our amazing female singers too and their stories. The important thing about hearing New Zealand music is that it’s from our perspective and that’s why it is so important that female voices are heard amongst it.’’
With songs from artists like Sharon O’neill, Jenny Morris, Bic Runga, Boh Runga, Anika Moa and Gin Wigmore, Gamble said it is a strong line-up.
‘‘We concentrated on chartranking songs and presenting them in chronological order because it really helps tell the story of New Zealand’s female recording artists.’’
Gamble said the band also discovered interesting facts and would add banter about the history its members unearthed along the way.
Gamble said this show was a long labour of love and a shift for the band out of its usual gigging environment.
‘‘We’ve had enormous fun putting this show together. These are worldclass songs and they’re part of us as New Zealanders. They deserve to be played more by live bands.’’ Quiet Storm will present its show
She Has To Be Loved at Palmerston North’s Globe Theatre on April 13, Old St Paul’s in Wellington on April 27 and the Carterton Events Centre on May 11.