Tami Neilson Gets Junk and Disorderly

Tami Neilson and Brett Adams launch Gigs for Gaza series at Auckland's Junk & Disorderly

Bikes, buckets and boots hang from the ceiling. Antiquated TV’s perch on bookshelves filled with old LP’s. In the middle of all this is a makeshift stage. And standing there is Canadian country-soul star Tami Neilson. It’s a long way from the Ryman Auditorium or alongside Willie Nelson at his July 4^th Texas concert.

For the New Zealand-based singer-songwriter was performing at an Auckland second-hand shop, aptly-named Junk & Disorderly. She was the headline act on the opening night of a six-week charity event titled Gigs for Gaza taking place in such unique surroundings.

With a large Palestinian flag flanking her, Neilson fully endorsed raising money for causes aligned to Gaza, among them the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund and Medecins San Frontieres. “Everyone is feeling so helpless about what is happening (in Gaza). So it is good to be here with those who care.”

The gig was limited to a maximum audience of 60 and this created a cosy environment as the fans were clustered around the stage, sitting on and around the used-furniture. “I can at last see your faces,” quipped Neilson, who was accompanied by only one member of her backing band – guitarist Brett Adams. So, she was somewhat off the musical leash and this intimate atmosphere only enhanced her wonderful vocal range.

The intimacy was accentuated from the start, both in her chatty interaction with fans and her treatment of many old favourites.  She and Adams defined the change when they gave a harmonica-infused, acoustic treatment of the show-opener “Ain’t My Job” - a stark contrast to the funky, full-band treatment on her 2022 album Kingmaker.

Coming off a full promotional tour for her new release, Neon Cowgirl, it is hardly surprising that this album would dominate the set-list, providing five of the 13 tracks. The original title track featured Neil Finn. “I’m sorry Neil can’t join us tonight … he is busy being a star.” But, give or take Finn, Neilson – now aided in harmony by Adams - was at her inventive best with this co-write with brother and long-time producer Jay Neilson.

Over the years, Neilson’s music has featured on the popular crime-drama series The Brokenwood Mysteries. “The songs have taken me around the world, allowing people to get to know me through music.” And she included three Brokenwood songs in this gig, including the popular “Ten Tonne Truck,” which she actually performed in episode five of season eight (2022) .Once again, her treatment was somewhat laid-back, without the full percussion of the original.

But her own compositions were trumped by tracks inspired by two legends.

Willie Nelson has long been a hero of Neilson’s - “Willie represents America more than the leadership does” – and much of her output is associated with Nelson. She joined him - along with the likes of Bob Dylan and The Mavericks – as a co-headline act at Willie’s July 4 Picnic concert in Austin. “Willie closed my recent show in Texas!” And last year she dedicated an alluring album, Neilson sings Nelson, to songs made popular by the 92-year-old Texan.

But she got closest to Willie in 2022 when he joined in a stunning duet of “Beyond the Stars” from the  Kingmaker album. And, no surprise, it was included in the Gigs for Gaza set where the limited arrangement allowed her vocals – again in harmony with Adams - to reign supreme.

There was even better to come near the end of the show with a remarkable rendition of the Patsy Cline classic “Three Cigarettes in an Ashtray.” What made this even better was the endearing tale she told in the lead in. Around 18 months ago, she was invited to perform in a PBS tribute to Patsy Cline at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Titled Patsy Cline - Walking After Midnight - it included such big names as Crystal Gale, Wynonna, Pam Tillis, Ashley McBryde and Pat Benatar.

“Just before I got to go on, Patsy’s daughter came up to me. She had a tissue in her hand and when she opened it, I saw a ring. She told me: ‘This is my mother’s ring and I want you to wear it when you sing her.’ Can you imagine me standing onstage at the Ryman wearing this ring? It was then I thought … I’ve made it! This is success.”

The adoring fans were left speechless. How could they not enjoy her musically-sparse treatment - just Adams on acoustic guitar - and Neilson’s soaring vocals at the far end of the music spectrum. But the Ryman story sure helped.

The gig, which was opened by Americana star Milly Tabak (without The Miltones), was all that the true believers could wish for – both the music and the cause. Neilson has long been one of New Zealand’s favourite imports and her stripped-down music offers a refreshing alternative to her with full band. And as for the cause? Well, there was no better expression of the fans’ true principles than the instant applause which broke out when, during the concert introduction, the MC declared “breaking news” that Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani had won the New York mayoral race. Even the antique furniture rumbled!

Paul Cutler

Editor Crossroads – Americana Music Appreciation