15 December 2010 - 0 Comments

LAVA’s hot! This exciting acoustic folk/pop band is touching hearts nationwide with their beautiful songs, stunning harmonies and fine musicianship. LAVA’s based in Wellington and comprises Kiwi singing/songwriting family The O'Connors (Amanda and Sean with teenage daughters Acacia and Rosie) plus Canadian composer/pianist Vanya Popov.

One of LAVA’s big drawcards is its beautiful harmony singing. Husband and wife Amanda and Sean were already renowned for their voices and harmonic blend, and the combination with their daughters Acacia and Rosie, fine lead singers in their own right, brings a magical resonance to the sound. Vanya’s extensive choral experience and top-notch musical ear adds depth and richness to an already amazing sound.

Award-winning multi-instrumentalist Tom Shinness of Nashville said, “There are many fine singers in Nashville, but when The O’Connors sing together it has the x-factor, even a spiritual quality...”

On the instrumental side, Amanda is a brilliant flautist, Sean a strong rhythm guitarist and Vanya a gifted and versatile keyboard/pianist. Acacia and Rosie are each an exciting up and coming violinist and keyboardist respectively.  All of LAVA’smembers lend a capable hand to various percussion instruments to add rhythmic spice and drive to many of their original songs, classic folk/rock covers and traditional Irish/Celtic music.

The O’Connors’ melodic and soaring songs have been described as “moving and powerful” (Hawkes Bay Today), and “unique and beautiful” (Bluebird Cafe, Nashville), with “emotional and intellectual depth, able to reach the audience’s heart”.

Amanda and Sean are both New Zealanders of part Maori descent and have also lived in the Americas with their daughters, performing and teaching. They’ve recorded a solo album each and four duo albums in both the US and NZ. Vanya, of Russian descent, has also toured the world with several choirs and recorded an original solo piano album, playing in countless bands throughout the course of his lifelong musical pursuits and studies.

This past July, a few days after meeting each other, Amanda, Sean and Vanya featured on National Radio, TVNZ’s Good MorningShow, and toured the North Island with Sean’s solo album. Nowjoined by Acacia and Rosie,the five have recently performed to rave reviews at the Taranaki Fringe Garden Festival, the Grand Hall of Parliament and in the acoustic scene in Wellington.

Amanda, Sean and Vanya’s solo albums will all be promoted on the tour, as well as a new CD single promoting LAVA’s upcoming debut album.

“Earthquakes/Spirit of Our Land” CD Single – Christchurch Quake Song

“Earthquakes” is LAVA's first single, composed by Amanda and Vanya while driving from Christchurch along the stunning Kaikoura coast on the same day as the Canterbury disaster!  With the shaking and destruction just behind them, they created this poignant, contemporary folk ballad, which reflects New Zealand’s beauty and looks ahead with optimism and resolve that all “shake-ups” in life can be overcome!

The lyrics for Track 2, “Spirit Of Our Land”, are by playwright/author Michael Burton, and were originally entitled “Anthem for Aotearoa”.  The song is also rich with inspiring images of Aotearoa/NZ

KAIKOURA - The Strawberry Tree, Wed Dec 22, 8pm.

CHRISTCHURCH - Octagon Live Music Showcase, Tues Dec 28, 9pm AND The Irishman, Thur Dec 30, 8pm.

GERALDINE - Geraldine Cinema, Thur Jan 6, 7:30pm. Door sales $15adult/$5student/$30family

OAMARU - Public Gardens, Sun Jan 9, 1pm.

GLENORCHY - Glenorchy Cafe, Fri Jan 14, 7:30pm.

INVERCARGILL - Repertory House, Sat Jan 15, 7:30pm. Door sales $15adult/$5student/$30family

MILFORD SOUND - Blue Duck Cafe, Tues Jan 18 , 9:30pm.

QUEENSTOWN - Thomas Brown Gallery, Lake Hayes, Sat Jan 22, 7:30pm. Door sales $15adult/$5student/$30family

FOX GLACIER - Cook Saddle Cafe, Wed Jan 26. Dinner & bar sets, Start time TBA.

WESTPORT - Star Tavern, Cape Foulwind, Fri Jan 28, 8pm.

NELSON - Petite Fleur at Seifried Estate, Richmond, Sun Jan 30, 11am lunch.

MOTUEKA - Chanel Arts Centre, Fri, Feb 4, 7:30pm. Door sales $15adult/$5student/$30family

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