Pip Payne with Richard Klein and Al Norman

PIP PAYNE, a regular player and founder of Capital Blues is back with another musical variation. Pip has had many artistic guises over the years which shows not only his versatility but also his depth of the music. This time he is joined by two outstanding musicians bring you some Louisiana blues and cajun.
RICHARD KLEIN is a high energy singing fiddler born in Orange, New Jersey. In his early teens he discovered folk and roots music through listening to the likes of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and The New Lost City Ramblers. Travelling to Cape Breton Island in mid 1970s sparked the interest for Celtic music that later brought Richard to travel, live, work and busk extensively through Ireland and the British Isles. A chance meeting with a gang of Swedish fiddlers in Shetland in 1978 introduced another important influence in his fiddle style. But it was being properly introduced to Cajun music later that same year in France that had the most profound impact on his music. Resident in Wellington since 1997, Richard is best known for his collaboration with the Le Blanc Brothers Cajun Band (Melbourne) and the geographically challenged Kiwi Americana band. T-Bone. In 2023 he relinquished his American citizenship. The accent, however, remains.
AL NORMAN has been on the Wellington scene for a while. Early blues club jams and bands, on squeeze box and keys. For this gig it’s the squeeze box or snare. A multi-instrumentalist with a great feel for the groove. He’s been part of a number of well-established groups including Smokeshop, Warratahs, Laura Collins Band and still plays with the Rag Poets and, less regularly, The Hardcore Troubadours. He has also played a number of gigs offshore and toured NZ extensively.
Come and join us for another fine session featuring some virtuoso playing with a twist on the blues.
Tickets are $20 or $10 for members, with bar discounts for paid-up club membership.