31 January 2011 - 0 Comments

‘Over The Moon’ by Auckland-based bluegrass quartet Wires & Wood has taken out the Best Folk Album Tui for 2010/11.

The winner has been announced and the award presented at the Auckland Folk Festival concert tonight (Sun. Jan. 30).

‘Over The Moon’ is the debut album from Wires & Wood and was released 12 months ago. The band comprises lead vocalist Micheal Young (mandolin), backing vocalists Bryan Christianson (banjo) and Dave Warren (guitar) and Read Hudson who plays resonator guitar.

Also featuring on the album are bassists Garry Trotman, Alec Healey and ‘Lott’.

Wires & Wood says it is inspired by the sounds of both traditional and modern bluegrass music. Wires & Wood’s music varies from a hard, punchy style through to “heart melting slow waltzes”.

The band traces its history back to 2003 when a few Auckland musicians began Friday night bluegrass jam sessions to relieve winter blues. Word leaked out, someone asked the guys to perform at a charity event and the band was born.

Wires and Wood has performed at events and venues throughout New Zealand, including folk festivals in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin and Canterbury. It has performed at Fight for Life, Music Mountain Matakana and completed a number of TV commercials and touring assignments.

The other finalists were Flip Grater from Christchurch, Wellington’s Bob McNeill and Forbidden Joe from Auckland.

New Zealand Music Awards spokesperson Campbell Smith says it’s great to see bluegrass coming to the fore.

“Music can be about trying new things and challenging yourself, not only in what you play but also what you listen to and enjoy. Wires & Wood has certainly captured that spirit with a powerful album that clearly demonstrates the band’s dedication to the genre and excellence in its execution.”

The Auckland Folk Festival is an annual festival of music, song and dance held at Kumeu Showground, northwest of Auckland. The festival is organised by members of Devonport Folk Music Club, Titirangi Folk Music Club, Auckland Bluegrass & Traditional Old Time Country Music Club, Tir Na Nog, and City of Auckland Morris Dancers.

Thanks to www.nzmusicawards.co.nz for this story.

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