Gig Review: The Frank Burkitt Band at The Boathouse, Nelson – 11/01/2019

The Boathouse welcomed The Frank Burkitt Band with a chocolate box Nelson summer’s evening, complete with a beautiful peach-toned sunset and an audience that had been enjoying an early evening meal on the deck prior to the gig.

The general mood was possibly at odds with Frank Burkitt and his partner Kara Filbey’s choice of opening number, a somewhat sombre cover of a Randy Newman song about a hurricane called Louisiana 1927. Perhaps this was a nod to The Boathouse’s own recent tribulations due to extreme weather?

Regardless of the somewhat subdued opening, it was clear that Frank and Kara are a class act. Both are excellent vocalists and Kara’s harmonies sat right in the pocket of the group’s overall sound, beautifully enhancing every number to which she contributed. It was a bit unfortunate that the sound set up didn’t do her justice during her solo vocal number – perhaps using Frank’s mic would help. As it was, it was difficult to hear any of the lyrics and that was clearly not due to any lack of vocal talent on her part.

Each member of the band demonstrated great musicianship, with Dusty Burnell’s mandolin a particular highlight. James Geluk’s bass playing on Lost But Alive the title track of the band’s newly released EP was also fantastic.

Subject matter for the two sets, which mostly consisted of Frank’s own material, was varied and eclectic. From the mobile barber featuring in The Gypsy Barber to the love song for Lower Hutt called Sunrise, Frank demonstrated that most crucial songwriter’s gift, a keen eye for detail.

Try, Try, Try and Needy Crowd explored the themes of remaining positive and keeping one’s cool even when one’s patience is tried. Simple from the band’s 2018 album Raconteur was a highlight as was the band’s surprising and delightful cover of Elton John’s Honky Town and its rousing version of You Are My Sunshine which closed the concert.

The Frank Burkitt Bard are a polished and talented group who have clearly spent time developing compelling arrangements for all their material.

At times the soupy acoustics at the venue and the typically chatty Friday night crowd at The Boathouse didn’t do their music any favours, but the Frank Burkitt Band nevertheless delivered a high-quality, engaging night of music.