19 Apr 2024
SJD - SJD @ Happy, Wellington
15 Mar 2007 // A review by johnsoncraigsbc
The last time I was at Happy on Tory Street in Wellington I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the band that was playing (The Dylan Storey Band), and being the well known SJD I knew this time was going to be no different. The last time I saw SJD live was on the opera house tour with the Phoenix Foundation, so I had recollections of a fantastic performance, and seeing them in a more intimate setting was very exciting.
With a crowd of about fifty, generally older people, Happy was pretty full, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The female vocalist was outstanding, hitting all the notes and accompanying the long, drawn out instrumental pieces in some mind blowing solos.
A very keen drummer was rather funny actually, but completely comfortable in his role. The keyboardist was also really good, and his entertaining groovings were interesting alone. The synthed backing tracks made some of their more instrumental pieces really intriguing and we all know prog rock is so hot right now.
Playing a lengthy set was value for money, and their new single is pretty sweet. Both times I have seen this amazing band I’ve been keen to hear more. If SJD ever come to your town, get there, or be square.
Craig Johnson
The last time I was at Happy on Tory Street in Wellington I was pleasantly surprised with the quality of the band that was playing (The Dylan Storey Band), and being the well known SJD I knew this time was going to be no different. The last time I saw SJD live was on the opera house tour with the Phoenix Foundation, so I had recollections of a fantastic performance, and seeing them in a more intimate setting was very exciting.With a crowd of about fifty, generally older people, Happy was pretty full, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. The female vocalist was outstanding, hitting all the notes and accompanying the long, drawn out instrumental pieces in some mind blowing solos.
A very keen drummer was rather funny actually, but completely comfortable in his role. The keyboardist was also really good, and his entertaining groovings were interesting alone. The synthed backing tracks made some of their more instrumental pieces really intriguing and we all know prog rock is so hot right now.
Playing a lengthy set was value for money, and their new single is pretty sweet. Both times I have seen this amazing band I’ve been keen to hear more. If SJD ever come to your town, get there, or be square.
Craig Johnson
About SJD
Sean Donnelly has released eight albums under the nom-de-plume SJD since 1998, with many nominated for bNets, Aotearoa Music Awards, the Taite Prize and the APRA Silver Scroll - some winning too! While primarily a solo project SJD has had a long history of collaborating with James Duncan, Sandy Mill, and Chris 'O Connor.
A celebrated producer as well, Sean has worked with Don McGlashan on 2006’s Warm Hand, and 2009’s Marvellous Year. In 2011, Sean joined the Pajama Club, with Neil Finn, Sharon Finn, and Alana Skyring. He produced their eponymous debut and toured with the group Aotearoa, Australia, and the United States of America.
Visit the muzic.net.nz Profile for SJD
Releases
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