Pony Baby
9th February 2024
Common Room, Hastings, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
The latest chapter of Arahi’s ongoing process of evolution is his pairing with Jazmine Mary, in a duo with the collective name of Pony Baby. My most recent exposure to his talents was in his power trio Te Tokotoru, but this is him giving outlet to the country leanings hinted at in past outings, particularly in his cover of ‘Wichita Lineman’. If Te Tokotoru is his ‘Crazy Horse’, this is his ‘Harvest’.
But this is far from being a one-person show, with Jazmine bringing just as much to the experience, and in some ways providing a level of grounding, perhaps commensurate with having had a slightly longer career – almost like an older sibling joining up with little brother!
Together the duo make a sound that calls to mind, among others, Cowboy Junkies, Ryan Adams, and others in the space loosely defined as alt country. Blissful harmonies over a darker undercurrent. This show is part of a tour in support of their debut album, released into the world just a week earlier. An album I’ll admit to not having gotten around to checking out yet, but this will be remedied at the first opportunity!
The project arose from an encounter when both were supporting Reb Fountain here in this very town, in fact literally a block away – that venue being within sight of tonight’s garden bar setting. So in that sense, this could be regarded as a sort of homecoming, or at least the closing of a circle (as yet unbroken!). From that meeting ensued discussions, domestic relocations, and productive collaborations, one of which was on display tonight. In an all-too-brief appearance, appetites were whetted for further exploration, as the pair charmed their way in to the hearts of an appreciative audience.
I didn’t get a lot of notes about individual songs, so can’t give a song-by-song breakdown of the performance, but given that we now exist in a political zeitgeist wherein vibes are more important than actual facts, apparently that’s what the people want… So vibes it is, babies! One thing that stood out, for me at least, was the contrast in stage presence of both performers. On the sole previous time I’ve encountered Jazmine, they gave off a touchingly introverted aura, one that was fought through by the sheer need to express the sentiments encapsulated in the material. But that was very much in the past, as they ran the show tonight (in the best possible means of reading that). And at the same time drew out a little of Arahi’s innate performance skills, leading to a genuine meeting of minds. In that respect, a little reminiscent of Matt Joe Gow & Kerryn Fields, with the small difference of all of these songs being the product of the venture, nothing being brought in from individual repertoires. This made for a strong degree of cohesion, while also keeping the set short and sweet – definitely leaving ‘em wanting more. Always considered to be by far better than risking outstanding the welcome!
But the love is being spread widely across the motu, with further appearances upcoming, wending through Te Waipounamu before a hometown closer in Tamaki Makaurau, so there’s a chance for those on the Mainland to experience the joy – look out for details!
Were you there at Common Room for this beautiful gig? Or have you seen Pony Baby perform live sometime else? Tell us about it in the comments below!
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.
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