Musicians. Des Mallon, Drums; Elliotte Fuimaono, Bass; Andy Mauafua, Guitar; Damian Forlong, Trombone; Andre Paris, Saxophones; Tim Beals, Cello; Ed Zucollo, Piano; Zach Beard, Keys; Rebecca Greig, Accordion; Alistair Cuthill, Mandolin; Chris Cubis, Harmonica; Lockie Stewart, Saw; Aisling Kerkin & Des Mallon, Percussion; Mike Jamieson, additional guitar; Jim Rush and Ben Litchfield additional Keys.
\n\nVocal Musicians;Emma Davey, Dave Feehan, Nichola King, Fiona Bee, Denise Brennock, Amanda Hanna-Doull, Aisling Kerkin, Lockie Stewart, Mike Nyland, Al Witham, Paul Brown and Pete Baillie.
\n\nTHE COLOUR SO BRIGHT, PSYCHEDELIC NIGHT LIGHT
\nAdd to this the 11 piece Julie Lamb Band that paints the songs with layers and life and you’ll find something new each time you listen. The band is held together by Julie, drummer Andrew Richardson and bassist Callum Hazlitt-Black while guitarist Dave Hadley threads his tenacious riffs through the songs. Andreas Lepper on percussion, Damian Forlong on trombone, Geraint Scott on saxophones and John Macdonald on keyboard colour the final form, woven with inspired instrumental solos. Julie is joined by backing singers Deb Rock-Evans, Emma Davey and Miranda Turner who varnish the vocals with harmonies that range from angelic to downright chilling.
When We Hang Out - Lamb, Julie - Matrix Digital Studios
\n\nWellington NZ - October 2014
\nMusicians. Andrew Richardson, Drums; Callum Hazlitt-Black, Bass; Dave Hadley, Guitar; Damian Forlong, Trombone; Geraint Scott, Saxophones; John McDonald, Keys; Andreas Lepper, Percussion; Hannah Fraser, Violin; Vocal Musicians; Emma Davey, Deb Rock-Evans, Miranda Turner, Fiona Buchet and 10dd
\nAll songs written by Julie Lamb, Andrew Richardson, Callum Hazlitt-Black and Dave Hadley except: When we Hang Out, Julie Lamb; I'll Never Do It Again, Mahinirangi Maika; A Little Shut Eye, Jon McLeary; I Wanna Go To The Sun, Peter Frampton.
This album wrote itself ... It was only helped a little bit... and some of the arrangements happened when I was out of the room - THANKS Andrew, Callum and Dave... You rock my world, and are the best Band Mates I could possibly have.
\n\nAs for Mr Matrix Studios... Phill Adams - you're an awesome dude! I can see many future bourbon and cokes going down... you'll need them before the next project...
\nAnd, Lockie, buddy, thanks for helping me fly!
","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":[]},"cc9p":{"type":"HtmlComponent","id":"cc9p","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"url":"html/bff0e5_ae0cdf67bdae99d392fbcb2d6d713150.html","sourceType":"htmlEmbedded","freezeFrame":false},"cdbg":{"type":"StyledText","id":"cdbg","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"
Most and Least was an album written over many years, and released in 2008. "My mother made me do it" being the catch cry. She unfortunately never got to see the product, but wrote the words on one of the songs ... "Cry as you must". She had written it for me after one of those desperate teenage phone calls in the middle of some dark event. Lordy - the things that make a muse!
\n\nI love her and miss her every day. This was a tribute to her - and part of each sale goes to Breast Cancer Networks NZ
","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":[]},"ch6z":{"type":"StyledText","id":"ch6z","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"When We Hang Out is a tight collection of eleven songs, including eight of Julie Lamb’s new originals. An internationally acclaimed stalwart of the Wellington music scene, Julie writes award winning earworm melodies, lyrical twists and ornate arrangements. Whereas her first two albums Most and Least and Trippin’ the Light glide between rock, funk, blues, folk and back again, When We Hang Out is almost entirely rock-centric while staying true to her 70s style vibe.
\nDRAGON FIRE
\nDon’t be fooled. Beneath the cheerful album title and the catchy, lyrical songs that will stay in your head for days lies a shadow intensified by Julie’s trademark soul-tingling lyrics. From the opening song Clouds Cried Red, the listener feels the tension between Julie’s resonant voice and her haunting words. Even the eponymous When we Hang Out, sung by the acapella choir 10dd, is an ode to friendship that kicks off with ‘You don’t know me like you think you do,’ and taps the youthful wonder of crocodile tears and dragon fire. Yet the album never becomes morose; it’s clever and intelligent, punctuated with humour and light.
\nA CHORD OF INTENT
\nWhen we Hang Out showcases the breadth of Julie’s vocals, always soaring and heartfelt but with punch and attitude that makes you sit up and listen. The defiance of Ever Doubt and I’m Telling You, No is set against the medieval-funk of Inhaling and the rock anthems Drive Me and Attitude Decayed. She finally gives in to her inner punk with Life and A Little Shut Eye.
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Fair warning: The Julie Lamb Band’s memorable melodies are the kind of tunes that you will find yourself singing all day. But you definitely won’t be complaining about these enjoyable earworms.
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Lamb has a soulful voice whose history of Janis Joplin covers shines through on the band’s sophomore album, “Trippin’ the Light Fantastic.” One of the more notable elements of Lamb’s music is the simple, repeated instrumental moments, or leitmotifs, that can be heard throughout these funky yet ethereal tracks. A concept most notably developed by Richard Wagner, the leitmotif is translated from the German “guiding motif.” Lamb’s repetitive guiding motifs offer structure to the otherwise dreamy quality of her songs. Whether intentional or not, the use of leitmotifs is pleasing to the listener who is looking for a balance of fun and cultural relevance.
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But Lamb offers more to the careful listener with the unique gifts she leaves in her songs. An amusing choral reference to the folk tune “Shortnin’ Bread” in her track “Waterproof” offers a glimpse at the fun that Lamb seems to value in her creative expression.
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The title track, “Trippin’ the Light Fantastic,” lulls the listener with its laid-back, jazzy feel, but offers a delightful surprise when the driving power of the refrain emerges. The Julie Lamb Band has a gift for orchestration and clearly knows the power of each of the instruments in its arsenal.
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“Trippin’ the Light Fantastic” has some very memorable songs, but one of the best elements of this album is that each track has its own unique and sometimes very different sound. “Cold Rainy Nights” has an atmospheric quality that gives the listener a glimpse of Irish folk music, while the instrumentation of “Loved Bayou” transports the listener to Louisiana for a taste of Creole and Cajun influences. Not to be missed is “Boo Da Bip,” which spotlights Lamb’s intensely sensual but gentle voice.
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If you are searching for upbeat tunes with lyrics that offer deep storytelling, give The Julie Lamb Band’s newest album a listen. You will be left with tracks that will call you back again and again.
","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":[]},"dataItem-ir8uo00q":{"type":"BoxSlideShowSlide","id":"dataItem-ir8uo00q","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"title":"Slide 2"},"dataItem-ir8uo01i":{"type":"StyledText","id":"dataItem-ir8uo01i","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":""If you catch me, don't burn yourself", enunciates Julie Lamb in Tell Me Who I Am, the opening track on her second album Trippin' the Light. It's some fitting phrasing indeed when we view the record in its entirety. Lamb is proud to have combined rock, blues, jazz and various other sounds into a fiery but positive sequence.
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She's proud for good reason - Time Flies carries the listener in with some great aural momentum. Lamb's vocals, along with the instrumental and choral talents of her passionate backing musicians, make for a piece that seems to tend toward progressive metal.
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The following track Undone is a much more sombre song, but just as notable. An assortment of absolutely fantastic string and wind instruments create a brilliant crescendo around the middle of the song - one of the most memorable passages in the album for this reviewer.
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Kill Me With Your Promise comes as another great driving number halfway through the album. This is one of the best examples of guitar work on Trippin' the Light, beautifully produced to sound raw and gritty whilst also being easy on the ear. Cold Rainy Nights is even more easy-going, being a lovely country-tinged track.
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Lamb has become well-acquainted with the fact that playing gigs as a musician is only a fleeting temporary buzz. Trippin' the Light certainly displays her range of musical talents in a way that people can get a hold of and keep for posterity, in their minds as well as in their sound systems. It's a winner.
","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":[]},"dataItem-ir8uo021":{"type":"StyledText","id":"dataItem-ir8uo021","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"Julie Lamb (Band) is an 11 piece funky - blues rock band "with a 70's vibe", from Wellington.
\n\nFrom the get go, when I received the email introducing Julie and band I was enchanted, anyone that starts an email with "A swish and flash of unicorn dust" has my attention.
\n\nBleeding Numbers, the first track on the album was released 18 Jan 2017. It has a laid back cruisy vibe with a tendency to stick in your head (my partner described it as "catchy" and I caught him humming the track more than once).
\n\nThe studio recording of Bleeding Numbers gave me a sense that this is a close group of musicians, that love what they do, and are having fun doing it, but in the same breathe I will say that this is a professionally constructed album, engineered with skill.
\n\nOrdinary Days is a slick, smooth collection of beautifully composed lyrics, Julie has a wonderfully melodic voice, which is enhanced by her backing vocalists and band.
\n\nI found the whole album enjoyable, the lyrics and composition captivated me. This is honest and upbeat and Julie's pride and love of music shines through in every song.
\n\nThe standout track for me, if I were to choose just one, would be number ten on the album, Jean Pierre (The Chocolatier), I don't know why but it made me want to lick a big bar of chocolate, and that made me smile.
\n\nOrdinary Days has a nice chilled Kiwi vibe, refreshing and fun. This is highly recommended listening.
","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":[]},"dataItem-j1uii0jz":{"type":"BoxSlideShowSlide","id":"dataItem-j1uii0jz","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"title":"Slide 2"},"dataItem-j1uii0kc":{"type":"StyledText","id":"dataItem-j1uii0kc","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"First a big tip o' the hat to Wellingtonian Lamb's packaging of this album: it comes in CD-sized cardboard box which contain the disc in a gatefold cover (with download code), lyrics on 10 playing card-sized illustrated cards in a small envelope, colourful bulldog clips (again in the themed artwork) and a die in plastic pack, instructions on how to make your own traffic cone (funny given most city dwellers see quite enough already) and a fold-out sheet with studio session photos on one side and the artwork again (by Deb Mansfield) on the other.
\n\nThen there are the songs.
\n\nLamb carries an excellent band – the solo space offered guitarist Matt Fitzpatrick is never squandered as he adds necessary grit or fire -- which can get deep, broody and disconcerting on the moody ballad Why Do I Forget; crisply funkish and jazzy on Bleeding Numbers, a touch of wah-wah reggae on Mind Flit and just enough Steely Dan-like in other places.
\n\nLamb is a lyricist with something to say about corporates, the ideas that run through her head by night and day, a delight in Ordinary Days (which elevate the relationship) and more. She sometimes tries to pack too much information into her lines (“procrastination hit me like a Stonehenge rock”, “you seem to think I'm a neophyte, treating me like I don't have a right”) but, as with Ross Mullins whom we've mentioned previously, she tells her own story her way. Despite the lyrically dense Standing Proudly (the neophyte song) she conveys her quiet anger and self assertion, assisted by the punchy horns and Fitzpatrick's terse solo.
\n\nThe oddest piece is Hashtag On A Good Day which a kind of a cappella, tongue-in-cheek paean to Wellington where you wear summer clothes and winter socks, get to go to cafes a lot and so on. It is sung as rounds and is cleverly arranged but the humour palls after a couple of plays. It probably goes down a treat in a Wellington cafe.
\n\nThe better material is in the more direct and personal songs (Simple, Jean Pierre which opens with “I've been running late for 10 years now” then moves into early Suzanne Vega territory).
\n\nJulie Lamb has thoughtfully presented an interesting album and sounds like she'd be worth catching in a cafe concert . . . but if she saved Hashtag on a Good Day for the encore I'd be heading towards the cash register and on the way out.
","stylesMapId":"CK_EDITOR_PARAGRAPH_STYLES","linkList":["#textLink_j1uiohki","#textLink_j1uiohkj"]},"dataItem-j1uii0kp":{"type":"StyledText","id":"dataItem-j1uii0kp","metaData":{"isPreset":false,"schemaVersion":"1.0","isHidden":false},"text":"I’ve played in enough bands and have listened to enough music over the thirty-six years I have been alive to get an idea of when I hear music on an album that can translate well live. After spending some time with Ordinary Days by Julie Lamb I was thinking to myself that this is music that deserves to be heard live. Why you ask? Well for one thing the music contains a lot of instrumentation. Apparently, the band had twelve members at one point. The other thing that stuck out to me was a lot of the music was funky, upbeat and fun. That being said there is also a 70’s rock vibe. Groups like Pink Floyd and The Grateful Dead came to mind.
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\nThe band is no startup. They have played festivals, climbed the radio charts and have an ever growing fan base. All you need to do is listen to the music to understand that the musicians are seasoned pros. Just listen to the opening track “Bleeding Numbers” which has smooth guitar playing, perfectly placed vocal harmonies against Lamb’s lead and silky smooth horns. The first song is undeniably easy to enjoy and there’s plenty more where that came from.
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\n“Buyer Beware (The Dick Smith Investor Blues)” is definitely a bit bluesy with a specific subject matter while “Standing Proudly” seamlessly combines ’70s funk and rock which can easily make that hesitant person at the wedding finally hit the dance floor.
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\n“Sync Not Automatic” shines a light on the modern ways we communicate. It also happens to be a catchy and one of the more subdued songs of that batch. I thought the drums in particular were impressive in that they added the energy to a very atmospheric and dreamy sounding song.
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\nThere are more nods to contemporary symbols and signs as the album progresses. Take for instance “Hashtag On A Good Day” which is an a cappella track. I thoroughly enjoyed this track and it was such an unexpected treat.
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\n“Why Do I Forget?” is one of the more emotionally resonant songs on the album. The vocals were breathy and dynamic on this track. They close with the carefree and funky “Mind Flit.”
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\nOverall, Ordinary Days is a dense, eclectic album. There is no doubt about that. It’s quite epic in scope. I thought the musicianship and production was superb on this album. Highly recommended.
Charting, award winning band
\n\nfrom Wellington, NZ
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