Songwriter, guitarist, performer.
Brett is a New Zealander who is based in the South Island. He has recently returned home after being away for 10 years, 5 in the U.S. and 5 in Australia.
His songs cover topics from social issues (Who Gave The Right To Frack) to natural disasters (Shaky Isles) to unnatural disasters (Flooding In Nashville) to loss and love (World Of Goodbyes). A bit of humour is also thrown in the mix (Monday Morning Blues).
Within his songs and instrumentals Bretts Fingerstyle guitar playing is energetic and dynamic with a modern approach in his style. He incorporates two hand tapping, slapping, walking bass lines, harmonics, percussion, improvisation, odd times, and open tunings into his songs and arrangements that are big on groove and strong on melody. He draws on Popular, Rock, Blues, Jazz, Country, and Traditional music.
Further
2014 and 2015 was spent in glorious Hawaii performing many nights a week at various music venues and included opening for guitar legend Andy McKee on his Hawaiian tour. 2013 saw many shows in California, supporting the 2 albums recorded in 2012 in Nashville “the Zone”(solo) and “Point of View” (band).
The highlight being the Art of Guitar in Santa Cruz at the Rio Theater. On the East Coast that year he played in North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee at the Chet Atkins Appreciation Society and Country Music Hall Of Fame doing a fingerstyle demonstration, and started performing in Hawaii.
In February 2013 he had his final tour working as the Merchandise Manager for Tommy Emmanuels’ U.S tours, a part time position Brett held for 18 months which enabled him to see much of the U.S.
Performance Experience
Brett has extensive performance experience in both New Zealand and Australia leading his own jazz quintet, Mister Nobody, performing as a solo instrumentalist, and performing with more than 50 groups as a guitarist or bass player, playing many styles.
He has played guitar in “Les Miserables”, “Godspell”,” Jesus Christ Superstar”,” Chicago” as well as playing with the Nelson Jazz Big Band, S.C.R.E.A.M. Big Band and Nelson Symphony Orchestra, (Vivaldi Bassoon Concerto). He reads music and plays by ear.
He was the guitarist supporting two of New Zealand’s iconic music stars, Sharon O’Neill and Midge Marsden during their South Island tours in New Zealand. Brett also co-created a blues / funk band entitled Ubercat with New Zealand pop icon Liam Ryan (the Narcs).
Brett composed 15 original pieces, he and his wife Kalar wrote the lyrics, for the musical “Will: the Lost Years” (Motueka High School Production). Show performed 5 times, with Brett leading a student to perform the music. Band made of: Violin, Flute, Guitar, Bass, & Drums. Has music placed in documentaries in Australia.
Notable Performances
He has performed at: Woodford Folk Festival, Australia; Maleny Music Festival AUS; Maleny Wood Expo AUS; Kings Beach Easter Special AUS; Bunya Music Festival AUS; Immanuel Lutheran Arts Festival (opening for Slava Grigoryan) AUS; Montsalvat Arts Centre Jazz for the Dalai Lama AUS; Brisbane International Film Festival AUS; and ABC Radio Sunshine Coast AUS. The Nelson Arts Festival New Zealand; Nelson Winterfest NZ; Taste Tasman Festival NZ; Sarau Festival NZ; Nelson Arts Twilight Markets NZ; Nelson National Jazz Festival NZ, 2 years; Nouveau Arts Awards NZ; Growables Expo NZ; Rotarian Now Festival NZ, and the Whangerei Festival of Arts NZ.
As an educator Brett has taught hundreds of students, tutored bands and conducted workshops.