THE SOU`WESTERS FROM NEW ZEALAND HAVE LAUNCHED A CD FUNDRAISER AND WANT FANS TO HELP OUT

Not often i get requests from anyone to write a blog about something in particular, but Aly Cook, a well regarded country/folk artist from New Zealand done just that, or at the very least she dropped me a big hint on Twitter that she'd like me to. The big hint she dropped was a You Tube link for the SOU`WESTERS cover song TUI IN THE RAIN, a song written by Noel Coutts, a New Zealand blues man who is barely known outside his country except in Poland of all places, where his wife originates from and where they spend half the year.

Coutts is also a poet and actor, sounds like an interesting guy, i will have to find out more about him, but right now, lets give the Sou`Westers credit for being one of New Zealand's most impressive folk/country fusion outfits. Like just about all New Zealand bands of any kind, The Sou`Westers dont sound like they are in any hurry, some aussies who are use to pub rock and rocked up country might think The Sou`Wester`s are a bit meandearing and like they need to speed things up a little and add a few hooks to their songs, but as far as cool and reflective melodies go, with the aid of Aly Cook, there sound is perfectly suited to many a small club on the South Island of New Zealand where the audience hasn't got a care in the world and where the only concern for anyone is who will put the next log on the fire.

Judging by their stripped down sound and equipment, i would imagine you would have to see The Sou`Westers live to really appreciate them. Liam Ryan and Dean Hetherington make up the rest of the trio. Do Aly and the boys a really big favour and go to this link - indiegogo.com/thesouwesters, the band is advertising a CD advanced sale, obviously in the same manner in which english progressive rock band Marillion has mastered over the past decade to pay for the cost of making an album from start to finish before the album ever goes on sale. Have a listen to a few Sou`Wester songs and most definitely help out the band if you like what you hear by helping them like a major record company wont do.