To mark this auspicious occasion, The Black Velvet Band have successfully
condensed 20 years of self created Kiwi Celtic infused foot stomping rock
n' reel into their 16 track new album.
The Black Velvet Band - Est. 1990.
Although The Black Velvet Band was formed in 1990, this is the first album-length testament to the unique group. The reasons for this 20 year delay explain much about the band itself and it’s raison d’ etre. To begin with, The Black Velvet Band is primarily a ‘live’ experience; as energetic and dynamic today as it was as the resident act at the legendary Loft Bar in the early 1990s. These guys are not navel-gazers, they respond to the audience with a sensitivity gained through thousands of live performances. They’re equally at home playing pubs around the country as they are hosting a Ceilidh, playing music festivals or performing with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. Providing people with the opportunity to celebrate life by letting their hair down, dancing, singing, or simply listening to quality music is the priority. The energy of The Black Velvet Band has always been channelled in this way and In the past recording and self-promotion have taken a back seat. With the release of this CD, The Black Velvet Band have successfully condensed 20 years of self created kiwi celtic infused foot stomping rock' n' reel history for your listening pleasure.
To understand the importance of The Black Velvet Band’s contribution to New Zealand music it is necessary to look at its history. After witnessing the extraordinary audience response to folk-rock music while playing in the band Bushfire in the 1980s, Ian Costello distilled the essence of this music and applied it to his new project: The Black Velvet Band. Costello hired nightclub space above the Coachman Hotel and opened the Loft Bar in the centre of Christchurch in August 1990. Around this time, the enthusiasm for electrically amplified folk music was boosted by the international popularity of London-Irish group, The Pogues, and the stage was set for a musical phenomenon that captured the hearts and minds of many New Zealanders.
Under the leadership of Costello, The Black Velvet Band was seminal to the boom. As the Loft Bar’s resident act, the group played six nights a week to capacity audiences. The many and varied members of The Black Velvet Band each brought their own style and musical influences to the eclectic mix of folk ballads, traditional tunes, and contemporary dance songs. As well as managing the bar and playing mandolin and banjo, Costello organised the group’s musical diversity into a working unit. As the Loft bar became more and more popular, The Black Velvet Band became known for their onstage antics and hard edged performances. Inevitably, six late nights a week with all the energy, excess and intensity involved, took its toll. Over the twenty years of The Black Velvet Band history there have been twelve major line-up changes and one hiatus - although Costello has been a constant presence and creative driving force of the band throughout.
Apart from playing the occasional gig at Molly Malone’s Irish Pub in Wellington, The Black Velvet Band played exclusively at the Loft Bar. While playing a residency was not conducive to touring, the skills and proficiency that comes with constant playing provided the platform for members to further their musical journeys outside The Black Velvet Band environment. For example, Andrew Moen moved to Wellington to play drums for Banshee Reel and later joined Jacky Tar, recording and touring Europe. Adam Gallagher and the Gregg brothers who had signed with Sony Records with Holy Toledos formed The Finnegans post The Black Velvet Band. Dave Thompson, Chris O’Connell, Tony Coughlan and Pete Malthus formed Beggars and Thieves. Other successful groups having their genesis in Black Velvet Band roots include, Shanakie and The Navigators. One group in Wellington even called themselves The Costellos in honour of Ian’s remarkable influence. Costello also found a musical outlet away from The Black Velvet Band forming Whiskey Hounds with Adam Gallagher in 1998 as well as creating and leading The Jamesons as part of the traditional Irish Music Session at the Bog Irish Bar in Christchurch.
Roll 'round 2003 and a wind from the north blows in David Thorpe from Stockport, England, making a unique contribution to the music and management of the band. Apart from Costello, Thorpe, at seven years continuous service is the longest-serving member of The Black Velvet Band. Thorpe aside, the core musicians on this recording were all members of the Black Velvet Band in the early days. The album features both original songs and original arrangements of traditional ballads or tunes. The track-list has been selected to showcase the diversity of musical influences that come together to make up what is arguably an authentic Kiwi Celtic infused sound.
Anton Jenner, January 2010.