Gitbox Rebellion's only Waikato concert is at The Woolshed Theatre in Te Awamutu. Photo / Supplied
Gitbox Rebellion's only Waikato concert is at The Woolshed Theatre in Te Awamutu. Photo / Supplied
Gitbox Rebellion, an innovative and exciting six-piece guitar ensemble, is the latest act for Arts On Tour NZ, and plays just one Waikato show in Te Awamutu this month.
The band performs intricate and clever original compositions, as well as a few much-loved guitar hero covers, such as The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Guitar Boogie.
Gitbox has to be heard live to fully appreciate the acoustic guitar and the differences each player brings to the instrument.
Described as "Igor Stravinsky meets Pete Townshend," the group's music is a joyous collision of worlds, managing to be infectiously moody, upbeat, grungy and intricately textured all at once.
Honouring the beautiful character of acoustic guitar, Gitbox Rebellion's exuberant blend of jazz, rock, folk and classical will have you in sonic raptures. Extraordinary live, they'll have you hooked from the first fingerpick to the last.
A New Zealand Herald review said: "They played with a discipline and rapport that would be the envy of any classical chamber orchestra. In sum, Gitbox Rebellion provide stimulating, intelligent, and above all, approachable music."
An acclaimed multi-member performance unit of uncanny ability and chemistry, Gitbox Rebellion makes its guitars sound atmospheric, chaotic and orchestral – and better than you could ever imagine.
Nigel Gavin, a former member of Robert Fripp's League of Crafty Guitarists said, "Back in the mid 80s I was fascinated by the gamelan music of Bali.
"The music had many levels and included beginner players with the more experienced players.
"So I decided to apply that idea with all the students.
"I was teaching at the School of Creative Musicianship in Mt Eden in 1987 and some of my students - Kim Halliday, Russell Hughes and Jon Pease, original members of Gitbox Rebellion - became my guinea pigs for the first project."
The experiment proved successful, creating special musical games and structures for the group to piece together.
The resulting sound was very harmonious, and before long concerts, tours and albums were happening.
"We received a small grant which enabled us to release our first album called, Pesky Digits, soon followed by the second release, Touch Wood.
"At this point Rattle records was created to release this music into the world. Since then Rattle has gone on to receive world attention for their high quality catalogue."
Gitbox has just released its third album for Rattle called Curveball, which will tour with Arts on Tour.
The show also features the Kita Trio – Gypsy swing music from three members of the ensemble.
Backstage Pass presents Gitbox Rebellion at Te Awamutu's Woolshed Theatre on Friday, August 27 at 7.30pm. Tickets are $25 (plus fees) - available from eventfinda.co.nz and via most i-Site centres.
