Despite booking gigs and releasing over 15 albums, Jerseybob and Our Monika still enjoy busking.
Despite booking gigs and releasing over 15 albums, Jerseybob and Our Monika still enjoy busking.
Multicultural husband and wife duo Bob and Monika Vincent can't stop making music.
Despite running a Taupo cafe, the couple still have time to perform gigs, record albums and even do the occasional spot of busking as the duo Jerseybob and Our Monika.
"We're so busy we hardly ever practice.We do gigs, that's our practice," Bob said.
This summer, Napier audiences will be treated to the pair's musical stylings, described as an eclectic mix of folk, comedy, roots and country music, with some "troubadour vibes, from ballads to tribal rhythms".
This unique blend of music is produced through a unique set of instruments - Bob on vocals, guitar and harmonica with Monika bringing percussion on the cajon.
"I couldn't stay in Taupo and never play anywhere else, it's good to get out sometimes."
As well as performing at a range of venues, audiences of the duo had ranged from a crowd of 200 to a lone barman.
Bob said audience size did not matter, as long as the duo were connected to those who were there.
"If its just one person we'll still play."
As well as original songs and a few Bob Dylan covers, their performances also included stories and some "really bad jokes".
"Comedy's definitely part of the show. It has to come in as well, I like the jokes as much as the music," Bob said.
Performances are done without a set list, with Bob often playing to the "ambience" of the audience while Monika manages to keep her husband grounded.
"She's a grade eight in the French horn. She's actually a real musician, I just kind of bluff my way around."
Bob said he was looking forward to hearing his wife's cajon and percussion on their next album, which they hoped to release this year - Jerseybob's 17th album since 1996.
-Don't miss the Jerseybob and Our Monika performance at The Cabana on January 17 starting at 7pm. Tickets are $5.
