Al Young

Al Young, New Zealand’s master of the vintage blues, makes a welcome return to the Titirangi Folk Music Club. Al is a true veteran of the New Zealand folk scene. He has played every major folk festival in the country – and some in Australia – he was a featured artist on the annual “Beale St Mess Around” in Memphis, Tennessee three times, he won a Tui Award before they were called Tuis ... ’way back in the day he even played acoustic blues on New Zealand television and radio. As well he’s an international authority on blues and gospel music, with two US-published books and many articles and CD liner notes to his credit. But above all, he’s a great guitar picker, known for his mastery of slide-style guitar, a powerful singer and a dynamic, entertaining performer. His Titirangi set is likely to be heavy on the blues that are the foundation of his repertoire and reputation, but he’s quite likely to step outside this boundary – he also gets into old-time country, Hawaiian, a bit of gospel … oh yes, and he plays autoharp occasionally, rather well. Mark the date and be there – you don’t want to miss it and have to hear everyone else saying how great it was.