We are bringing you another new band this week. New to Capital Blues that is.   The Bucks are new and hot on the rock scene in Welly.  It's a shared love of blues-rock and rolled cigarettes that brought this Irish / American / Kiwi 3-piece together.   They give you driving sounds and wailing … Continue reading "The Bucks"

Capital Blues super group exclusive. The Fitzpatrick brothers Blain on bass, Matthew on guitar Warwick Murray vocals and guitar Michael Barker drums.   Starting with acoustic blues classics and originals leading into a full-on mix of stomping blues-rock classics with plenty of expert improv to keep it all fresh and funky. Don't forget to slip-slop-slap 'cause … Continue reading "Blond Faith"

A welcome return for Blues Clues. It’s been a long while since we last had them.   Blues Clues is a Wellington-based blues band that brings down & dirty, old-school blues into the modern age. Classic blues songs by Muddy Waters, BB King, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eric Clapton, and more, passionately and energetically performed by … Continue reading "Blues Clues"

If you want to hear the blues played with a real passion and respect for the music, check out this band.   The Red Dog Saloon Band members know the blues inside out and have been playing on the Wellington music circuit for over 30 years.   During that time, they have become masters of … Continue reading "Red Dog Saloon Band"

What a way to open the Capital Blues Stage at the Wellington Jazz Festival! Showcasing the music of prolific composer Charles Mingus, The Wellington Mingus Ensemble includes some of New Zealand's finest jazz performers collaborating together to create an expansive sound rich in texture and high in energy. Arranged by a variety of prominent New … Continue reading "The Wellington Mingus Ensemble"

Planet Groove is a powerhouse funky unit dedicated to the music of Maceo Parker and James Brown. Led by Bryn van Vliet and fronted by Lisa Tomlins, expect a night full of high energy, non-stop groove. This was one of the highlights from the 2020 Jazz Festival. Don't miss it. Free entry.

The Skeletons are a boogie and blues trio, formed as an alter ego to local Wellington rock and roll band Sea Mouse. The trio performs a collection of haunting blues classics with Seamus Johnson on guitar and vocals, Scott Maynard on bass guitar, Thomas Friggens on drums, and are joined by a very special guest … Continue reading "The Skeletons"

  Purple Haze is a high energy, blues and rock-inspired four-piece band, playing classics by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Cream, and more. Eugene Wolfin on vocals, Matthew Fitzpatrick on Guitar, Jacob Randall on drums, and Blain Fitzpatrick on bass. Come along and enjoy some freshly interpreted versions of some high-energy, groovy tunes. … Continue reading "Purple Haze – The Fitzpatrick’s Blues Band"

A Wellington take on the vintage stylings of Dixieland jazz & New Orleans swing... Brew up some bathtub gin and get togged to the bricks! The Wellington City Shake-’Em-On-Downers are the Strait city’s most swinging septet, with tunes that take you back to scintillating nights at the speakeasy. The Shake-‘Em On-Downers have thrilled audiences and … Continue reading "The Wellington City Shake-’Em-On-Downers"

After presenting this set to an enthusiastic audience at the Wellington Jazz Festival last year, the quartet will again present the music of under-sung piano hero Freddie Redd, this time with a fresh new line up. The group will play tunes from the iconic Freddie Redd albums The Connection and Shades of Redd, as well as a … Continue reading "Alex Trask Quartet"

Prepare to be transported back in time as The Nicholas Baucke-Manusell quartet brings the stage to life with timeless jazz classics, evoking nostalgic emotions that resonate deep within. But that's not all! The magic extends to the present, as they'll also grace us with contemporary bangers that'll have you tapping your feet and dancing along. … Continue reading "Nicholas Baucke-Maunsell Quartet"

Two Trombone players walk into a bar. We can’t drink alone, let’s get more Trombone players down here. The sweet-sounding and dexterous 1948 NY Bach 6 Trombone of Kaito Walley with the chainsaw-like tone of Damian Forlong’s 1977 Jiggs Whigham King 2b blend together like a G&T, a bogan and coke or a shandy. Playing … Continue reading "Big Boned! This Will Be Phat!!"

The Nick Granville Blues Band features some of the busiest and finest musicians playing in New Zealand today.   Nick has played guitar around the world including London’s O2 Arena, and The Monterey Jazz Festival. A former guitar tutor at the New Zealand School of Music, he has also recorded albums with some leading jazz … Continue reading "The Nick Granville Blues Band with Brannigan Kaa"