26 June 2012 - 0 Comments

One of Australia's finest live performers, multi-award winning Ash Grunwald, has been deservedly credited with bringing blues and roots to a new generation.

But Ash Grunwald’s music is more than just blues and roots, combining with it thumping beats and smooth grooves, to defy genres.

His game changing fifth studio album, ‘HOT MAMA VIBES’, was nominated for Best Blues & Roots album by both the Australian Record Industry Association and Australian Independent Record Label Association, and after a sold out national Australian tour, he capped off 2010 supporting Jack Johnson’s Australian tour.  His first single from the album, ‘Walking’ received significant radio airplay, and was prominently featured in the Hollywood blockbuster, ‘Limitless’ starring Robert De Niro and Bradley Cooper.

No stranger to our shores, Ash has played the Kaikoura Roots and WOMADNZ Festivals earlier this year.  Now he returns to New Zealand for his first headline tour, showcasing his new album Trouble’s Door, on a five date jaunt at the start of August.  Making sure he gets to play in some coastal areas is all part of the deal for this surfing nomadic troubadour – a lifestyle heartily embraced and played out in energetic live shows.

The fact that Ash has opened for acts as diverse as James Brown, Bo Diddley, Keith Urban, Jack Johnson, Missy Higgins & Pete Muray reveal that he is an artist that can cross over into new territories, reflected in the lack of musical restrictions he places on himself.

“When I play live, it has that four on the floor, modern pulse that we get from electronic dance music,” he says.  "People who are deeply into blues often aren't that big into technology.  This is something that held me back for a long time.  But I was never into bluesy music because of its antique value or because I like to drive old cars.  It's just the soulfulness of it: Pure function, in a way.  It doesn't make any difference what techniques and instruments are used to make it — as long as it comes from the heart”.  And just like the light and dark of the words, his music itself traverses many tales; the blues propelled by driving dance floor rhythms, buoyed by hip hop beats and slammed by the dub step crunch.   Naturally.

His blistering live sets on the festival circuit throughout Australia, Japan, Canada, America, Europe and the UK have had critics and fans raving about his unique blend of roots, blues, beats and a whole lotta groove.

It’s been 10 years since the release of his first record, and with hundreds of thousands of arses shaken since, Ash welcomes you to strive toward life’s greatest mission amongst the sadness and the challenges – the presence of good times and the possession of a happy heart.

Joining Ash on the road is his very special guest MIHIRANGI, providing her own unique presence and mesmerising performance.  Singing in both Maori and English and dubbed the “Maori Princess of Funk” and the “Queen of Loops”, Mihirangi creates her own band sound live in front of her audience.  Last seen in New Zealand at the 2012 Pasifika Festival, Mihirangi utilises a loop pedal to layer her own vocal sounds.  The power of her voice, vocal range and talent for timing, rhythm and vocal tonality appeals to audiences worldwide.  A truly powerful and dynamic performer, Mihirangi is the perfect complement to Ash’s shows.

Don’t miss your chance to see Ash Grunwald live – explosive shows full of heart only come along now and then.  This is one of those tours.

ASH GRUNWALD
TROUBLE’S DOOR TOUR NZ 2012
With special guest MIHIRANGI

Wed 1 Aug @ Bodega, Wellington

Thu 2 Aug @ The Mayfair, New Plymouth*

Fri 3 Aug @ Kings Arms, Auckland

Sat 4 Aug @ YOT Club, Raglan

Sun 5 Aug @ Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Leigh

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY 29 JUNE
From http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/
*New Plymouth sales from http://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/

www.facebook.com/AshGrunwald
http://www.ashgrunwald.com/

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