Anthony Donaldson is one of this country's great drummers and a pioneer of improvised music in Aotearoa. A visual artist before becoming a musician, Anthony's starting point on the drums was in finding tonal colours, rhythms that come from nature, and constructing a drum kit that grew like a living sculpture. Beginning in the late 70s and early 80s with Primitive Art Group, his music making has always centred on free improvisation and collective composition. His musical journey has seen him perform with countless ensembles, often of his own creation, including the Black Sheep, Six Volts, Razorblades, Mean Bones, Flower Orphans, Teeth, Devils Gate Outfit, Rubbernecks, Farewell Spit, Melancholy Babes and the Stinging Nettles. He has been a creative force in Wellington music for over four decades and continues to push the boundaries of accepted musical norms, while encouraging and mentoring younger players.
Pyramid Club is very happy to host Anthony for two nights, performing solo and in collaboration with a large number of outstanding musicians. Gifted with a sparkling musical imagination, alongside his drum kit Anthony will be performing with electronics, 78rpm phonograph player, assorted percussion and spoken word.
For the first of his two night performance residency Anthony will be performing solo and in collaboration with:
trio with Nell Thomas (electronics) / David Long (guitar)
trio with David Donaldson (bass banjo) / Steve Roche (brass)
trio with Jonny Marks (Synthi AKS) / Daniel Beban (reel-to-reel)
Listen here to a recent Dancing in Your Head podcast featuring Anthony playing some of his own music and tracks which he's been listening to.
And to his feature on RNZ's Mixtape a few years back
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Presale tickets for Night 1 $20
Presale Tickets for Night 2 $20
Presales for a two-night pass $30
Rāmere 25th July
8pm, $20 presales
solo
trio with Nell Thomas (electronics) / David Long (guitar)
trio with David Donaldson (bass banjo) / Steve Roche (brass)
trio with Jonny Marks (Synthi AKS) / Daniel Beban (reel-to-reel)
Rāhoroi 26th July
8pm, $20 presales
duo with Riki Gooch (taonga pūoro/electronics)
duo with Alphabethead (turntables)
quartet with Bridget Kelly (reeds) / Toby Laing (trumpet/keys) / Tom Callwood (bass)
Special thanks to Creative NZ for supporting Pyramid Club's programme.
