#Tim Gruar

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Ane Brun – Leave Me Breathless (Balloon Ranger Records)

Ane Brun – Leave Me Breathless (Balloon Ranger Records)

Leave Me Breathless is the seventh studio release from Norwegian born, Stockholm based musician Ane Brun.  Brun is usually known for dark, introspective brooding work that challenges us and changes our perception.  So what possessed her to take on a collection of covers, half of which are the some of the most appalling songs ever conceived?  (more…)

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The Comet Is Coming: Wellington Jazz Festival, Wellington Opera House, 10 June 2017

The Comet Is Coming: Wellington Jazz Festival, Wellington Opera House, 10 June 2017

Wellington is surprisingly passionate about The Comet is Coming, nearly selling out the Opera House for their Jazz Festival performance. One of the great things about any festival is the opportunity to try new things you never knew existed and Wellington’s liberal minded and hungry arts-friendly public leaped at the chance to sample this UK experimental jazz outfit. (more…)

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Don Henley & Jewel - TSB Arena March 25, 2017

Don Henley & Jewel – TSB Arena March 25, 2017

  With a three night stint in Aoteroa Henley rounded off his landed his four decade time machine in the Capital with much ado and little fanfare. (more…)

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Various Artists: T2 Trainspotting: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Polydor)

Various Artists: T2 Trainspotting: The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Polydor)

T2 Trainspotting reunites the horribly duplicitous skag-addicted non-heroes of the first movie about twenty-somethings trying to get off heroin in Edinburgh, and finding that they have nothing very much to put in its place. In that film, audiences often hid their under the seats, unable to watch scenes about dead babies and diving into gruesome lavatories. Now it’s the sight of desolate men’s…

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Guns 'N' Roses - Westpac Stadium February 2, 2017

Guns ‘N’ Roses – Westpac Stadium February 2, 2017

When I was 13 I attended my first live rock show at Wellington’s Athletic Park.  It was KISS.   And it was 1980.  The night was appalling.   The show started late and there was trouble from the crowds, who were predominantly young drunk males.   The local constabulary were also over-exerting their authority, as was their custom in those times.  But that was the half of it.  The real reason was…

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Ocean Colour Scene - Wellington Opera House November 19, 2017

Ocean Colour Scene – Wellington Opera House November 19, 2017

Ocean Colour Scene are due to perform tonight at Auckland’s Powerstation. The 13th Floor’s Tim Gruar caught the band in Wellington last night and turns in this report to give Aucklanders an idea of what they are in for. The 13th Floor will post a review and photo gallery of tonight’s show tomorrow morning. (more…)

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The Cactus Channel – Stay A While (Hope Street Recordings)

The new incarnation of this ever-evolving Melbourne based seven-piece collective sees The Cactus Channel flexes their soul/lounge influences whilst searching for, and sometimes successfully landing on, their own planet in this vast musical universe.  (more…)

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Bootsy Collins – World Wide Funk (Mascot)

Bootsy Collins �� World Wide Funk (Mascot)

“‘C’mon Baby,” sings Big Daddy Kane on Bootsy’s Hot Saucer “You really touch my soul/You got that jelly and you’re making it roll!”  This track is one of a full funk set, with deep groovy bass, Parliamentary guitar licks and full-on pre-disco.  Bootsy’s back after a 6-year hiatus and he’s gonna party like it’s 1972!   (more…)

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Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Soul Of A Woman (Daptone)

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings – Soul Of A Woman (Daptone)

Sadly, Sharon Jones passed on to the great stage in the sky after a protracted battle with pancreatic cancer.  But before going she managed to record one final album with her exceptionally talented band the Dap-Kings.  These guys have stood by her since day one.  In the documentary, Miss Sharon Jones, you can see her doting on them like a mother hen.  It was a real family relationship without…

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Ocean Colour Scene: The 13th Floor Interview

Ocean Colour Scene: The 13th Floor Interview

1990’s Brit pop mods Ocean Colour Scene will be performing their classic album Mosely Shoals Downunder this month.  Last year marked the 20th Anniversary of the album.  As part of that commemoration, the band made the brave decision to bring the album, and the 30 year repertoire all to the Antipodes.  (more…)

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Jamie Lawson – Happy Accidents (Gingerbreadman)

Jamie Lawson’s Happy Accidents is a mature emotional retrospective from a writer finally content in his own skin.  Sometimes sombre in places, sometimes romantic or heartfelt, it’s a record of warmth, comfort but most of all connections – all wrapped up in an accessible and easily digestible pop package.  (more…)

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Greg Johnson: The 13th Floor Interview

Greg Johnson: The 13th Floor Interview

Beloved troubadours Greg Johnson and Mel Johnson are taking to the road this November for a national tour.  Expect plenty of song writing gems from the pair responsible for the likes of Save Yourself, I Won’t Let You Down, Isabelle, Far Away, Don’t Wait Another Day, Get Out Alive, Now The Sun Is Out, and many many more.  Tim Gruar had a chat to Greg Johnson to find out a bit more about these…

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Ria Hall's Rules Of Engagement

Ria Hall’s Rules Of Engagement

October 27, 2017 marks the release of Ria Hall’s debut album, Rules Of Engagement. Drawing on the themes of not only love and war, but also revolution and change, the album has been nearly five years in the making, and is an epic collision of traditional ways of thinking and modern musicianship. (more…)

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Robin Shultz – Uncovered (Warners)

Robin Shultz – Uncovered (Warners)

German born musician and producer Robin Schulz likes to mix homemade guitar riffs and samples with a palette of colors from regular the DJ’s toolkit.  Like many in his line of work, collaboration and remixing is key to a successful output.  For many, it’s a challenge to bring EDM into the mainstream without getting to bland or, worse, just too candy-sweet.  For Uncovered, Shultz’ third studio…

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Post Modern Jukebox – Wellington Opera House – October 3, 2017

Post Modern Jukebox – Wellington Opera House – October 3, 2017

On Tuesday night internet retro-sensations Post Modern Jukebox wrapped up their all singing-all dancing glittering showcase in the Capital to a maximum house and rapturous applause. (more…)