Hayley Westenra’s decision to ask Dave Dobbyn to join her for a few numbers at the gig proved a canny one – the pair clicked from the outset.
On Saturday, they reprise their show at Millbrook Resort on the southern leg of the In Tune with Nature tour of open-air venues.
“I think the idea is an unusual one, putting us together,” says Westenra. “We come from two contrasting worlds. But because the London show worked so well, we decided we had to do it again.”
Dobbyn never doubted the pair would hit it off.
“As soon as Hayley mentioned it, I thought yeah, we can make that work,” he says. “Put it this way, we both share a Celtic heritage and there’s a natural affinity towards those kinds of tunes.
I think the stuff I write is influenced in that way.”
The singers will each perform separately with their own band and collaborate on a selection of numbers, building on the London repertoire that included the likes of Dobbyn’s Oughta Be in Love and Tim Finn’s Six Months in a Leaky Boat. Ahead of the New Zealand shows, a great blend of styles was already apparent, says Dobbyn.
“I think the music will be the least of our worries on this one,” says the 30-year veteran of the Kiwi music scene. “We were just rehearsing before and I was just closing my eyes and getting lost in the song. So it must be working.”
Western agrees. Tactfully suggesting “anything’s possible” when asked whether they might one day capture their chemistry in the recording studio, the 3-million-selling 20-year-old cites “avoiding the wine” at concert venues as a more immediate concern.
“I think the relaxed, outdoor atmosphere of these shows will enable us to take a few more risks and have some fun,” she says. “I’m a Kiwi girl
– I like being surrounded by nature.”
Ever the jester, Dobbyn promises scenic splendours of a different sort.
“The band will be appearing nude,” he chuckles. “You know, a bit of an angle . . .”
Hayley Westenra and Dave Dobbyn will be joined by violinist Fiona Pears at Millbrook Resort on Saturday for the southern leg of the In Tune with Nature tour.
Tickets are $85 plus booking fee from TicketDirect Queenstown
ph 450-9005.
Children 12 and under free.
Gates open 2pm
Source: Scene NZ
