Tess Liautaud concert “a real coup”

French-American-Kiwi singer-songwriter Tess Liautaud and her band will play Geraldine on 17 May, showcasing music from her recently released second album, Blue Mind. She’s supported by Timaru-based musician Susan Be.

Blue Mind, says Tess, paints a piquant time when everything in her life was new. The Paris native landed in Christchurch four years ago, an earthquake-recovered wellhead for original music. “The album was a three-year unfolding thing. It marks a particular time for me here. It represents the people I work with, the friendships, and the musical friendships. They’re intertwined. It’s also reflecting back; I’m far away,” she says.

Tess’ song “Sleepless in Christchurch” crystallises the album’s theme and Americana musical aesthetic. She says, “It’s about being a musician in Christchurch; melancholy, but upbeat, too.”

Susan Be is bringing her own original music to her indie-folk supporting act. The songs, from Love Letters, her third album due for release at year’s end, “will be very intimate; just me and the guitar.”

Getting in behind the show is the Geraldine Community Arts Council. Elaine Taylor, chair, says, “The arts council is proud to support these two extraordinarily talented independent artists. I was first introduced to Tess’ music through Stephen at the Record Keeper … Supported by the remarkable local singer-songwriter Susan Be, this concert will be very, very special; a real coup for Geraldine.”

Tess Liautaud and the Tess Liautaud Band perform at 7.30pm Saturday, 17 May at the Lodge Theatre, supported by Susan Be. Tickets $30 from The Record Keeper and Joosh (both cash only) or online at undertheradar.co.nz. Signed copies of Blue Mind will be available on vinyl and CD, along with other Tess Liautaud merchandise. Susan Be’s first and second albums will be available on CD.

JAN FINLAYSON