There’s a new soul band in town – and I gotta a good feelin’ bout it – as a soul-style lyric would say.
As Nick Sampson says: “There hasn’t been a band like The Black Flames for far too long.
“Not since Netherworld Dancing Toys and The Neighbours packed pubs across the land with their mix of classic soul and horn driven originals. Seems that time has come again.”
Add the former, dynamic Rick Bryant and the Jive Bombers. Amen.
Sampson, originally of Waitara, Taranaki, founded brass soul rockers Netherworld Dancing Toys in the early 1980s in Dunedin while at Otago Uni.
When describing him as founder – it’s more like rallyer the role that Nick employs – he calmly and enthusiastically convinces other musicians – by rallying them – to the cause.
And in this case, it’s well overdue for a rock n’ roll band playing American style soul music (mostly) of the 1960s with belting heartfelt vocals and sharp, tight, excitable brass section.
His long-time collaborators, drummer Tim Robinson, and bassist Steve Shaw, were quickly on-board, and it didn’t take long for the personnel of 11-piece The Black Flames to be confirmed.
The project has gathered speed and mojo in recent months and now they’re ready to gig, and it’s happening this Friday, January 24, at Paraoa Brewing, Whangaparaoa.
Sampson’s pleased, describing The Black Flames as a “rockin’ soul powerhouse”.
Occasionally a guest DJ on East FM, Sampson is the writer of For Today, the enduring Kiwi anthem of the Netherworld Dancing Toys in the 1980s, “and yes, it’s in the Black Flames’ set”, he says.
For The Black Flames, Nick’s playing guitar and singing, too.
He says frontman vocalist Aaron Gascoigne is “effervescent… who fronted The Blues Brothers Review and Cold Shock with his signature punch and panache”.
“He’s joined by exciting new vocalist Moana Richardson.
“Keeping things honest is bassist Steven Shaw, who’s played in some highly regarded soul revue acts, and is also part of alt-country darlings The Loving Arms.
“Drummer Tim Robinson ran away to join ever touring The Neighbours as a youngster [in the 1980s] and has played with pretty much everyone since.”
Robinson did his time with The Jive Bombers as well, and in recent times, with Sam Ford and Trudi Green’s Soulahula Band.
Sampson says, “tinkling the ivories is Michael Larsen”.
“He did his time in 1980s popsters Grey Parade and with Jan Hellreigel’s band.
“Blowing up a storm – the fiercest five-piece horn section you’ll hear this side of the Bombay Hills.
“All seasoned players with years of dues paid on sweaty stages far and wide,” Sampson says.
“Ed Geddes on tenor sax, of the legendary Instigators, whose classic punk/ska album was recently re-released to glowing reviews.
“Trumpeter/trombonist Cam McLean whose eclectic musical background includes everything from choral work in English cathedrals to mixing it up with fellow trumpeter Gary ‘I’ll hit the high notes’ Neill in Auckland funk/soul ensembles including the wonderful Wonderfish Collective.
“Annette Hart brings the brass and class on baritone and tenor sax. She’s played with well-known outfits including The Alibis, and Lucy and the Skylites.
“And Simon Berry blowing tenor sax, who draws on everything from rock and jazz through to samba and ska, having played with bands including Surrey Boudit and Good Oil,” Sampson says.
“So, grab your dancing shoes, handbags and glad-rags. Because The Black Flames are ready to go with a barnstorming potpourri of old-school soul and horn-fuelled rock n’ roll.
“Songs you know and love – and some new ones you’ll never forget.”
