"...a distinctive vocalist and lyricist...her synthesis of folk, reggae, soul and rock has made her a critical and cult favourite...” – Rolling Stone
Joan Armatrading will perform in Auckland and Wellington.
Since 1972, and over the course of 20 critically acclaimed albums, Joan Armatrading has forged an uncompromising career. The first UK female singer songwriter to have international success, she possesses an entirely unique sound that ranges from jazz to true soul to sophisticated pop and reggae, which is all tied together and driven by her passionate guitar.
‘Love and Affection’, ‘Show Some Emotion’,’ Drop The Pilot’,’ ‘Willow’,’ Me Myself I’ … her canon of work is consummate and wide, bringing her three Grammy nominations (in 2007 she became the first female UK artist to be nominated in the Blues Category), two Brit nominations, a debut at number 1 in the Billboard Blues chart (also the first female UK artist to do so), a highly coveted Ivor Novello Award, and a Gold Badge Award. Joan has received countless gold, platinum and silver discs, has featured in VH1’s Top 100 voting poll as ‘The Most Influential Woman in Rock’, and has been honoured by the Queen, receiving an MBE.
Joan Armatrading has frequently worked with some of the world’s finest musicians, including Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones), Manu Katche (Sting), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty), Little Feat, Lou Reed, Fairport Convention, XTC, The Police, Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, and Mark Knopfler.
Joan’s latest Jazz flavoured release ‘Starlight’ (2012) captures the very best of her song writing talents with intimate songs that have a confession like quality - as though they are being shared from her heart to the listeners, like only Joan can. “I write” she says “because I love it”. Joan has arranged and played every instrument (with the exception of drums) on her last four albums – which has led to unanimous, widespread and, perhaps most importantly, consistent commendation throughout her vast career.
An evening with Joan Armatrading is an evening of pure quality, offering an intimate insight into the soul of one of the world’s leading singers, songwriters, true multi-instrumentalists and devoted humanitarians.
Joining Joan for her Wellington show only is composer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist Taj Mahal. Inducted into the Blues Hall Of Fame in 2009, the two-time Grammy Award winner’s musical legacy counts him as one of the most prominent and influential figures in late 20th century blues and roots music. Watch him perform live and you will see the warmth, humour and soulfulness that Taj has distilled into his music over the last 40 years – a true representation of Taj Mahal, the global traveller, musician’s advocate and world-class musical collaborator.
Tickets on sale Wednesday 19th of December 9am.
