An Evening with Harry Lyon in Northland

Ex Hello Sailor Kiwi music icon Harry Lyon is playing an exclusive run of intimate shows in October. His set will feature Sailor favourites, songs from his back catalogue, and of course some from his 2018 critically acclaimed Top 10 solo album “To The Sea”.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity of playing semi-unplugged with a trio. It means the relationship with the audience is more personal and intimate, and I really enjoy that. This stripped back line-up will really emphasise the vocals and the gorgeous vocal harmony parts we’ve developed.” Harry Lyon

With 50 plus years in the business, Harry has proven he still knows how to bring passion and energy to playing live, and connect with audiences.

“..The Ex Hello Sailor & Coup D’état frontman was the night’s ‘Pièce De Résistance’. His meandering around the guitar and knack of belting out a blinder or two, was just the tonic to kick-start the weekend. The simple narrative between songs was heartfelt, a bona-fide genuineness expressed in his music, including a brilliant stripped down Doctor I Like Your Medicine & reworked acoustic version of Hello Sailor’s Lying In The Sand – So, so good.” (Wal Reid, NZ Entertainment Podcast, Jul 7, 2017

“The vitality of the musicians on stage was extraordinary, and surpassed performance I’ve seen by many bands that are 50 years junior to Harry and his cohorts. It speaks immeasurably to the experience and passion of these artists, and their banter mirrored their performance eliciting laughs from the audience between tracks..” (Alex Moulton, Music Net.NZ, Oct 18)

Harry will be joined by:

Tony Waine (Bass and vocals): Tony is an APRA Silver Scroll winner and founder of award-winning kiwi band The Narcs. The band’s debut gold album Great Divide earned 5 RIANZ Awards including Single of the Year for their Top Ten hit Heart and Soul. Tony has written songs with Shona Laing, Buzz Moller and Authur Baysting. He produced the Best of the Narcs album and Christchurch The Music, the double CD compilation.

Josh Sorenson (Drums and vocals): Josh is an in-demand drummer and respected music educator. He has played, toured, and/or recorded with a veritable who’s-who of NZ music artist, including; King Kapisi, Sola Rosa, Annie Crummer, Nathan Haines, Joel Haines, Hammond Gamble, Rikki Morris, Debbie Harwood and Hello Sailor. He also composes, arranges and plays for his own original rock band Royal Jackets.

To the Sea is the first solo recording for Harry and was released in 2018. Produced by Lyttelton’s music auteur Delaney Davidson the album showcases Harry’s array of styles and influences with classic Kiwi rock, New Orleans vaudeville, Latin, Pasifika, country and a Christmas ballad for good measure. Lyrically subjects range from love songs to a life well lived and Harry’s usual wry political and social observations.

The reviews were unanimous in their praise:

“..an album of so many highlights“ (Simon Sweetman)

“It should come as no surprise that Harry Lyon writes a great album,” (Graham Reid)

“They don't make them like this anymore. Classic Ponsonby Rock n Roll grooves.” (Andrew Dickens, Newstalk ZB)

“The combination of Davidson’s outsider music, which has been fairly described as country noir, and Lyon’s warm, older school rock and blues, fits together in an act of near perfect musical serendipity. As the best albums do, “To The Sea” appeals at first listening, only to reveal more and more charms the further you immerse yourself in it.” (Phil Gifford, North and South, 2018)

“Harry Lyon’s solo debut is a raw relevant rocker” (James Belfield, NZ Listener, 29/10/2018)

“To the Sea” out now on CD/LP/Digital. (Norm Records/ Southbound Distribution). CDs and LPs available at Harry’s shows.