Music News - Open Mic and Folk/Blues Legend Graham McGregor releases an album: 'The Real Karangahape Rd'
15 November 2022 - 0 Comments
Anyone that’s on the Auckland Open Mic circuit will know of local legend Graham McGregor. This 81 year old gentleman has been gracing many a joint over the decades with his raunchy acoustic numbers; exposing audiences to some obscure and well-travelled classic folk and blues renditions along with his own cheeky originals. Graham is an avid arts lover and has many a story about the changing nightlife and music scenes he has been a part of. Having run many a folks club and open mic in his day, it is amazing to see how much energy McGregor still has for performing, supporting other artists and sharing his love of music. It just goes to show, it is never too late to release your songs and try new things.
It is with great pleasure that several musicians from his local open mic community encouraged and helped him to record his 2nd album to document his special sound for friends and future generations to enjoy. (His 1st album being a cassette tape release in the 80's.) Most of Graham’s repertoire talks of drugs, women, troubles and lawlessness. Many ‘a cautionary tale’ with a twist of comedy. The title track of the album is his infamous song The Real Karangahape Rd which has long been a crowd favourite, along with Onehunga and Grizzled Old Bugger. There are 2 versions of the Cocaine Blues and other covers by the likes of Papa Charlie Jackson and Eric von Schmidt.
Graham recorded the album ‘live’ with the help of Arts Organisation Holding Space Aotearoa and friends on double bass, violin, slide guitar, mandolin and backing vocals at Depot Studios with sound engineer Neil Baldock. McGregor plays the 12 and 6 string guitar, singing lead with the occasional kazoo solo. He wanted the songs to sound authentic, like you were listening along at the pub, so most tracks were performed in a folk group style circle. The first single Other People’s Money was released in May this year.
The 2nd single The Real Karangahape Rd is out now on streaming platforms with the album dropping on November the 23rd along with an Album Release Concert at The Thirsty Dog from 7.30pm with support acts Nick Brightwell, Ema I’u and Sam Loveridge. There will be a limited number of CDs and Vinyl on pre-sale.
STREAM THE REAL KARANGAHAPE RD (SINGLE) - HERE
ALBUM RELEASE SHOW DETAILS - HERE
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