A quick word with Dave Dobbyn as he heads off on tour of a dozen of the nation's churches, armed only with an acoustic instrument or two, and an accompanying musician or three.
So Dave, your first tour of 12 different churches over two weeks. Does this mean you don't need to go to church on Sunday for a while?
It sounds like 40 lashes in the town square. This side of opening night, it feels daunting. People are generally pretty wonderful around Aotearoa. Coming out of winter, you need to unleash a few emotions, a little weeping in the aisles, along with your dancing. There's nothing particularly intimidating about churches. Getting a great sound going is the thing. I know I'll be wiser for doing it.
As a man of faith, do you have any qualms about taking showbiz into these places?
Thankfully the Lord came for all mankind. So no, no qualms. The showbiz is there already, believe me. It's theatre really. Luckily my new HD 3D karaoke floorshow really makes an impact with the youth. It's bums-on-pews, seat of your pants stuff; pyrotechnics for the wow factor, go-go dancers and paintball. And all carbon neutral. Conditions apply.
Do cathedral acoustics present a challenge for a guy with a guitar - and a band?
Yes, you essentially re-arrange the songs. Dynamics, harmonics and drones become important; the rhythm more implied than played. I've always been fascinated with reverbs. Singing in choir as a lad I was aware that the building also made its own music, beyond what was being sung.
Are there songs of yours that suit different denominations?
Fifties and hundreds in any currency is good thanks. I like to think that the songs get to celebrate our differences, especially when we're not looking for them.
Are there songs of yours you would feel uncomfortable playing in this setting? What might they be and why?
Not glaringly. Nothing overtly obscene. Bliss might be inappropriate, although I think of it more as a barbecue utensil, than a song. Music is supposed to move you. If anything, it makes its own architecture and breaks down walls. Sometimes that can be raw and discomforting. There has to be an emotional exchange. When you're armed with an acoustic guitar of course, you're going to perform with emotion.
And will you be christening any new tunes?
Yes, a couple of songs are hovering like children showing off, itching to be heard.
LOWDOWN
What: Dave Dobbyn's Acoustic Church Tour featuring the Dukes and L.A. Mitchell
Where and when: Chapel of Christ the King, Hamilton, Thursday
September 9; Holy Trinity Cathedral, Auckland, Friday September 10; Holy Trinity, Tauranga, Saturday September 11; St Andrews, New Plymouth, Wednesday September 15; All Saints Church, Palmerston North, Thursday September 16; St John's Cathedral, Napier, Friday September 17; St John's in the City, Wellington, Saturday September 18; St John's, Nelson, Monday September 20; First Presbyterian Church, Invercargill, Wednesday September 22; Knox Church, Dunedin, Thursday September 23; Christchurch Cathedral, Christchurch, Friday September 24; St Michael & All Angels, Christchurch, Saturday September 25.
- TimeOut
