3 Apr 2022

Blue Smoke: Wellington R&B in the 80s

From Blue Smoke, 8:30 pm on 3 April 2022
The Holidaymakers in Auckland, 1988 (L-R): Barbara Griffin, Andrew Clouston, Peter Marshall, Mara Finau, Stephen Jessup, Pati Umaga, and Richard Caigou

The Holidaymakers in Auckland, 1988 (L-R): Barbara Griffin, Andrew Clouston, Peter Marshall, Mara Finau, Stephen Jessup, Pati Umaga, and Richard Caigou Photo: AudioCulture

If there was a Wellington sound in the 80s it was a local version of rhythm and blues that became unique to the capital. What was once borrowed and blue became sunny and joyous. It passed through the generations, like a musical baton. This week Blue Smoke follows the path from Rough Justice to the Holidaymakers. Produced and presented by Chris Bourke.

More to explore:

Music Details

Artist: Holidaymakers
Track: Sweet Lovers (excerpt)
Composer: Bill Withers
45rpm single
Label: Pagan

Artist: Rough Justice
Track: When I’m With You
Composer: Rick Bryant
RNZ recording, Broadcasting House

Artist: Rough Justice
Track: Winning Streak
Composer: Tony Backhouse
RNZ recording, Broadcasting House

Artist: Spats
Track: Young Ladies in Hot Cars
Composer: Tony Backhouse & Arthur Baysting
Album: Radio Windy Home Grown Vol 1
Label: Radio Windy

Artist: Wide Mouthed Frogs
Track: Some Day
Composer: Tony Backhouse/Frogs
Album: Radio Windy Home Grown Vol 1
Label: Radio Windy

Artist: Bill Lake (with Rough Justice)
Track: Texas Revenge
Composer: Bill Lake
Album: Radio Windy Home Grown Vol 1
Label: Radio Windy

Artist: The Rodents
Track: In the Midnight Hour
Composer: Cropper/Pickett
RNZ recording, Broadcasting House, Wellington

Artist: The Rodents
Track: My Girl (She’s Going Away)
Composer: The Rodents
RNZ recording, Broadcasting House, Wellington

Artist: The Hulamen
Track: Bulls to Texas
Composer: John McDougall/Andrew Clouston/Andrew Cross
Album: Beer & Skittles EP
Label: Eelman

Artist: Holidaymakers
Track: Sensible Shoes
Composer: John McDougall
45rpm single
Label: Pagan

Artist: Holidaymakers
Track: Sweet Lovers
Composer: Bill Withers
45 rpm single
Label: Pagan

With thanks to AudioCulture NZ