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| Bumpin' Ugly's Arthur Tauhore (left) and Gerrard Tahu get in the groove at Super Liquor Man. |
Found this great photo of Bumpin' Ugly, Arthur went on to front Trasch, who released an album on Wildside Records in 1992 and Gerrard was in Gifted and Brown, Ruaumoko, and others. Arthur passed away in 1993, and Gerrard passed in 2018.
Captivating Show by Bumpin' Ugly : Dynamic Spark of Originality – Manawatū Evening Standard
This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 14th March 1990.
"Bumpin' Ugly, Super Liquor Man, Reviewed by Sean O'Connor.
"Another week and another out-of-town band at Super Liquor Man - good news indeed. Wellingtonians Bumpin' Ugly provided Palmerston North music lovers with a refreshing alternative to the guitar rock usually found at the venue.
Versatility was the key to Bumpin' Ugly's fine performance. This was illustrated immediately by the first song of the night -- a full on funk piece which flowed effortlessly, naturally a quieter jazz feel, thus providing a pleasant juxtaposition. Similar chameleon-like adaptability characterised much of the first set.
The second set leant more toward acid house and rap. The softer moments of the opening set were abandoned in favour of powerhouse dance beats, and the night was completed by a bizarre, hyped up version of Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Child (what else?) The ability to switch rapidly between the many styles they have mastered ensured Bumpin' Ugly appealed to a cross-section. Each song was delivered with smooth professionalism of truly international standard, the polish largely due to John McDermott (from the Bilders) undeniably one of the best drummers in the country.
His enormous skill simultaneously provided both a tight, sold rhythmic base and the dynamic spark of originality which made Bumpin' Ugly's performance better than most. Never cliched, never boring, always captivating: McDermott commanded a range of beats which matched the many styles of the group. Add to this the subtle, pleasantly unobtrusive, alternately slapped and running base-lines of Gerrard Tahu and you have an impressive rhythm section. The melodic instruments, guitar (Jeremy Jones) and keyboards (Peter Jamieson), meshed solidly with bass and drums, and added tasteful solos which rarely stooped to indulgent displays of technical virtuosity.
Arthur Tauhore's competent vocals and friendly manner set up a warm rapport with the quietly responsive crowd of around 40. This enthusiastic attitude rubbed off on the audience and created a enjoyable, easy-going atmosphere. Thew sound mix, although a little loud, was about as near perfect as small pub acoustics will allow -- the finishing touch. Overall, Bumpin' Ugly delivered an interesting variety of music which they obviously enjoyed performing.
The band are comparable to almost any commercially accepted dance/funk act, and they certainly have the skill and songs to succeed. With overseas work to follow, will this be another New Zealand success story sadly (through necessity) fulfilled outside of New Zealand?
Versatility was the key to Bumpin' Ugly's fine performance. This was illustrated immediately by the first song of the night -- a full on funk piece which flowed effortlessly, naturally a quieter jazz feel, thus providing a pleasant juxtaposition. Similar chameleon-like adaptability characterised much of the first set.
The second set leant more toward acid house and rap. The softer moments of the opening set were abandoned in favour of powerhouse dance beats, and the night was completed by a bizarre, hyped up version of Jimi Hendrix's Voodoo Child (what else?) The ability to switch rapidly between the many styles they have mastered ensured Bumpin' Ugly appealed to a cross-section. Each song was delivered with smooth professionalism of truly international standard, the polish largely due to John McDermott (from the Bilders) undeniably one of the best drummers in the country.
His enormous skill simultaneously provided both a tight, sold rhythmic base and the dynamic spark of originality which made Bumpin' Ugly's performance better than most. Never cliched, never boring, always captivating: McDermott commanded a range of beats which matched the many styles of the group. Add to this the subtle, pleasantly unobtrusive, alternately slapped and running base-lines of Gerrard Tahu and you have an impressive rhythm section. The melodic instruments, guitar (Jeremy Jones) and keyboards (Peter Jamieson), meshed solidly with bass and drums, and added tasteful solos which rarely stooped to indulgent displays of technical virtuosity.
Arthur Tauhore's competent vocals and friendly manner set up a warm rapport with the quietly responsive crowd of around 40. This enthusiastic attitude rubbed off on the audience and created a enjoyable, easy-going atmosphere. Thew sound mix, although a little loud, was about as near perfect as small pub acoustics will allow -- the finishing touch. Overall, Bumpin' Ugly delivered an interesting variety of music which they obviously enjoyed performing.
The band are comparable to almost any commercially accepted dance/funk act, and they certainly have the skill and songs to succeed. With overseas work to follow, will this be another New Zealand success story sadly (through necessity) fulfilled outside of New Zealand?
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