Matterhorn bar perfect backdrop for L.A. Mitchell's live album

L.A. Mitchell performing at the Matterhorn. Photo / Sean Aickin

Visitors to Wellington bar the Matterhorn were last night treated to a event which is likely to become a seminal night in New Zealand music.

In her elegantly understated style, Christchurch soul-jazz musician L.A. Mitchell undertook the recording of her second album - Live At The Matterhorn - in front of a small crowd.

The recording, due to be released later this year, was instigated by Mitchell and comes seven years after the Fat Freddy's Drop album Live At The Matterhorn.

That recording helped make the Wellington band a household name in New Zealand and went on to attain platinum sales status.

Mitchell, accompanied by her six-piece band, performed slick versions of songs from her album Debut, including It's Music To, Blessed Be, Maybe Tomorrow and Never Wear White If You're Dirty.

That classy, debut album has been quietly winning over fans since its release in September last year.

Mitchell has been described as the Alicia Keys of the South Pacific and it wouldn't be far-fetched to further compare her style to Amy Winehouse's, albeit minus the rehab, beehive, tattoos and severe eye make-up. Her warm, gravelly voice was superb.

Undertaking to record a live album in one-take is a tough prospect - most live albums are cobbled together from various live sets - but quietly confident Mitchell was up to the task.

"The venue is very important for something like this - you've got to feel comfortable, at home, and the Matterhorn is perfect," Mitchell said before taking the stage.

While Fat Freddy's album blazed the trail for live recordings at the venue, Mitchell's has the potential to set up something of an institution.

The prospects for a series of live albums is not lost on Matterhorn co-owner Adán Tijerina.

"We are aware of the potential but want to keep it special. We also don't want to get ahead of ourselves.

"We've tried a couple of times before to follow up the Fat Freddy's album but it hasn't happened. L.A. is perfect for us to pick it up again."

Like its predecessor, Mitchell's Live At The Matterhorn should see her rise further in the public awareness after her criminally low-key first album.

She's a true sleeper talent and deserves a huge audience.