C.R. Avery & The Storm Collective
25th November 2023
Common Room, Hastings, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
Some say lightning doesn’t strike twice. But they don’t know fuck all, because tonight, for the second time within a few short months, Canadian powerhouse C.R. Avery raised a mighty storm in Hastings’ greatest venue, the Common Room!
For what was all too short a spell, such is the temporal pressure that afflicts us all, the (criminally small) audience was as one with this troubadour and his pair of partners in time, the Storm Collective. Together on a journey that took us across the globe, that gave due respect to its antecedents while forging an amalgam that’s utterly unique. Think of a train ride with Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, Bruce Springsteen and Leonard Cohen for company, throw in a beatboxer for the undercurrent, and you might be halfway there!
As mentioned above, this is the second time that C.R. has visited these shores, and this venue. Both times, though, have been quite different propositions – the last time around being strictly solo, this time with collaborators. Through both, though, has shone the same outright creativity and lyricism that makes new fans of all who encounter it.
Opening number, “Starving Artist Blues” kicked things off in dynamic fashion, its driving beat accompanying a narrative that asked almost as many questions as it answered – an honest response in these complicated times! The ensuing “Farewell to a Poet from My Hometown” set an appropriately brooding and mournful atmosphere, before the mordant wit and sonic blitz of “Producer” lightened the tone.
The first half of the set continued in similar fashion, the sombre interspersed with the darkly humorous. A particular highlight was “The Final Gospel of Marie Knight”, a passionate plea for gun control and a memorial for the victims of homophobia, from Stonewall down to Pulse and beyond. The contributions of the Storm Collective (Ross Christopher Fairbairn on bass, tiny drums and BVs, Shannon Scott on keys, ukelele and exquisite vocal insertions) greatly enhanced the delivery of this material, adding invaluable texture and substance. Having said that, there was still augmentation, in the form of audience participation, requested for set closer “It’s Good To Learn Other People’s Songs”, drawing performers and audience in to a jointly experienced release before the pause for refreshment and relief.
The second half came back strong with “CBC Radio Blues”, showcasing C.R.’s astounding beatboxing skills and drawing all back together again. “Cabin in the Woods” bemoaned the widespread pursuit and acceptance of cultural ephemera, while positing a far more enjoyable use of time! “My Tip In Your Jar” should serve as a warning to all venue owners against any temptation to larcenous activities. This was inspired by the actions of the late Ronnie Hawkins when denied his due recompense by an unscrupulous host (look it up, kids!), who won’t be trying that again!
But all too soon it was time for the metaphorical curtain to fall, but not without the obligatory encore, which closed out the night with the order to “Live A Little” – hugely appropriate advice for this fucked-up age we find ourselves in!
Having shared their unique and inspiring material with us, the trio departed into the night, off to places new, but promising to return. When they do, you owe it to yourself to check them out – you’ll be impressed indeed! But for those in Tamaki Makaurau, Otautahi and Lyttelton, you still have opportunity on this round to catch them – check details at 0717records.com. Don’t sit on this one – after all, who doesn’t want to be the one who was into it first, before the bandwagon-jumpers came in ?
Were you there at Common Room for this high energy positive gig? Or have you seen C.R. Avery perform live sometime else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Setlist:
Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.
If you enjoyed this content, please consider donating towards the running of Ambient Light, covering expenses and allowing us to expand the coverage you love by visiting our PressPatron page.