Kokomo have carved out quite a reputation for themselves over the years, certainly in the top half of the north island. They have an extensive following and loyal fan base. So this, their first live CD (and the DVD from which the album is taken), is not only eagerly awaited but will undoubtedly sell in barrow loads.

It's been a long time coming, long promised to their fans. Culled from two live performances at Tauranga's Baycourt Theatre, the DVD and this CD feature the most requested songs from the band and the 'road tested', well gigged nature of these songs shines through in the performances, which are tight, well arranged and played with considerable flair and zest. You still get the feel of a live performance, a little of Derek Jacombs' between song chatter is there to keep the atmosphere. Kokomo are augmented by electric guitarist Mike Kirk and drummer, Ian Gilpin, Derek has rearranged some of the songs to freshen them a little, but their many fans will be well pleased with this offering. 

The interplay between Grant's harmonica and Sonia's trumpet is impressive, at times a pseudo horn section while at other times Grant is unashamedly a blues harp blower. Derek's singing and guitar playing are strong and show how good he is live. Nigel's upright bass playing is impeccable.

But maybe you've not heard of Kokomo? A live album is not always the best way to get your first taste of an act, but this one will show you why their live act is so popular. It's a blend of Jacombs' distinctive song writing, good musicianship that is two parts blues to one part each of country and jazz, according to Derek. This amalgam also becomes a sort of Bay of Plenty pop - with fellow local John Michaelz sharing song writing credits and bassist Nigel Masters recording all their studio albums in "The Boatshed". It really is a distinctive music that, despite the claimed influences, is not really derivative of any of them. Some of the songs are definitely blues inspired,though; 'To Be Or What' sounds almost like the Yardbirds unplugged, with cool harp and slide. '30 Days' is splendid rock and roll. 'Rainy Night in Taupo' is a slow blues and one of the band's most popular songs, coming in at over 8 minutes and with a 2 minute intro, that allows the band to get into a cool groove - it's very good. 'Freight Train' is not the Elizabeth Cotton folk song, but another original that is a vehicle for Grant's train impersonation on the harp that always has the live crowd going wild.

For me though, the gem is the last song, the only new song on the album. 'Home Of The Blues' is about Hurricane Katrina and the devastation of New Orleans. These lyrics are really worth listening to. It's a beautiful song and cleverly arranged. Coming from a stripped back duet with guitar and bass where the vocals are pushed to the fore and has almost a Randy Newman feel, then towards the end segues into a full jazzy band piece with real New Orleans flavour. A clever arrangement, a fitting tribute to that city and fantastic way to close a great album.
                            Read more...