Every month, Wellington City Libraries acquires new CD’s for its large, broad, eclectic collection, and Wellington music is no exception. We regularly inspect Bandcamp, local music websites, trawl music vendors latest releases and check out independent labels like Flying Nun, Arch Hill, Rattle and Lil’ Chief for the latest in Wellington and New Zealand music. So, with this influx of mint music in mind, every month we’ll provide the latest titles and artists added to our Wellington music collection…

Wait there’s more.
Latest solo album from NZ music icon, recorded live in the Reikorangi Valley (in what looks like someone’s Timber shed) with Bernard Messmer on guitar & Pete Cogswell on drums. Eight new original songs & 3 blues covers. Rough, ramshackle, performances only add to the charm. Available at Slowboat & Rough Peel.

What the hell’s.
A rocky mix of blues, swing, country, and R&Bish originals & covers. ‘Lie To Me’ are a drummer-less band created by Bernard Messmer & Wayne Finch to capture the veteran Finch’s original songs. Warwick Halcrow provides Bass duties & special guest Wayne Mason plays keyboards on half the tracks. More info on the band & how to purchase CDs here. Also available at Slowboat & Rough Peel.

Introducing Darren Watson.
The ironically titled 5th album from this local blues stalwart who, throughout a career that began helming 80s band ‘Smokeshop’, has gained the respect of local & international blues musicians, won an international song-writing award, played overseas festivals & shared the stage with greats like Robert Cray, George Thorogood, Tony Joe White, and Mavis Staple’s guitarist Rick Holmstrom. ‘Introducing…’ is ten original blues ups & downs, but Watson’s hard won victories & second chances are all delivered with smooth polish & an inner smile. Great backing band. More about Darren & where to buy CDs here.

Covers courtesy of Bernard Messmer & Bandcamp. Used with permission.