Little Bushman with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Hamish McKeich, Town Hall, reviewed by Garth Wilshere

COLLABORATIONS across musical genres are popular.
I suspect that the majority of the large audience was there to hear Little Bushman rather than the NZSO. Little Bushman vocalist and instrumentalist Warren Maxwell is charismatic and has a loyal following. With three players and two soulful female backing vocalists, Maxwell delivered a vibrant set. Although vocals and words were frequently not discernible it didn’t worry the mellow audience who boogied along to the music.
There were jazzy, soul-infused sets and a psychedelic-style tribute to Jimmy Hendrix.
The John Psathas arrangements, characteristically for a large orchestra, fitted with the band’s sound well. The exciting sonic effects made the collaboration worthwhile. The standing ovation said it all.