As part of the upcoming Coastella festival in Paraparaumu, local group Jeep Road will play a mix of contemporary covers and originals mixing dance-worthy jazz, blues and dub sounds with striking vocal harmonies.
Along with Raumati South singer/songwriter and guitarist Clare Christian, Jeep Road consists of Joe Callwood on guitar and vocals, Tom Callwood on double bass, Rick Cranson on drums and Gabe Davidson on saxophone.
Kapiti News spoke with Clare about the group's formation and what audiences can expect from this summer's performance.
When and how did Jeep Rd come together as a group?
I've been working with these musicians in various formats from the mid-nineties until 2005, when I headed to London. While in London I formed a band that worked regularly around South London. Turned out that the guitarist, Bob (Rado) Klose, was the founding guitarist of Pink Floyd. I also spent time tutoring vocals and stage presentation to teenagers at risk at a Rock Academy in South London. On my return in 2010, I rallied the troops and formed Jeep Road.
How would you describe Jeep Road's sound?
We have an eclectic collection of covers and originals from loads of different genres and eras. These are all given a common thread by Joe's amazing arrangement skills. The sound is kind of a contemporary take on blues, soul, jazz, folk and a bit of dubbyness. Overall it's pretty chilled out but with enough irresistible beats to get you up for a boogie.
What have been some of your stand out gigs?
We've played on top of a mountain, music festivals, at my friend's beautiful wedding and loads of lovely and not so lovely bars and restaurants around the country. In terms of standout it would be hard to say - singing with these guys is always a stand out experience for me.
What experience does each player bring to the group?
I am so lucky to be working with some of the country's finest musicians including the spectacular Callwood brothers.
Joe is a deeply talented guitarist and arranger who also works with Little Bushmen and more recently has formed band Swagman with Gabe on sax and vibraphone and Brent McFarlane on drums.
Tom Callwood is one of the country's favourite bass players who also plays with internationally renowned band Phoenix Foundation.
Rick Cranson is an incredibly versatile and skilled drummer. He also plays with psychedelic rock band Little Bushmen, but is equally at home playing jazz or any other genre that is thrown at him. Gabe Davidson (my son) is a natural born musician. While living in Australia for 13 years, he played with Reggae band The Red Eyes, and after a bit of a hiatus while he developed The Wellington Chocolate Factory, he has now dusted off his various saxophones, and is sounding better than ever. He has also started incorporating his granddad's vibraphone into his gigs. Dad (Jim Davidson) recently passed away and he was keen on Gabe keeping the good vibes going. Big shoes to fill, but he's doing a great job.
All of these guys are graduates of The Wellington Music Conservatorium where they studied jazz.
My career started when I was five playing in the family accordion band. When I was 18 I started playing folk music at Wellington restaurants and then proceeded to join various bands playing rock, blues, jazz and finally taking elements of all those experiences to form Jeep Road. I also work with the very talented Mike Rigg in duo Sing! Sing!
