Draft:Flax River Redemption

Flax River Redemption is a band formed in Auckland in 2018 by Ky Hacker and Charlie Haddrell. Ky had written an album of folk/country/blues tunes americana-inspired from his upbringing in California - but had never arranged them with a backing band. Charlie, who had played in punk/grunge band Ranciid in the early 90s and was influenced by Delta Blues and Grunge, was recommended to Ky as a suitable drummer. The two played as a two-piece briefly putting rhythm to Ky's ballads, and were later joined by Julius Schwenke on the bass, a legend of the kiwi music scene since the 70s. The trio gained a following playing pubs and music venues like Karangahape Road's "Thirsty Dog" before Covid. During Covid lockdowns, Flax River Redemption held clandestine jam sessions and recorded an unplugged album: "Only Good at Leavin'" which contained hits such as the title track, "Validity Theory", "Back to the Mountains" their Mexican punk concert-closer "El Cabrón" and a cover of the traditional "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl". Schwencke retired due to family commitments and was replaced for a period by Phil Hurdle who brought a ska/reggae influence. It was rounded out by Peter Stott on the trumpet, and they later beefed up the horn section adding Bob Bolton, a famous New Zealand author on the sax. Mauritius musician Sam Hardy joined briefly as lead guitarist and was replaced by Steven Vates, a funk guitarist originally from Britain. Lastly John Ferguson joined them on bass and as sound technician. Flax River Redemption recently released their album; "Live at the Nivara Lounge" which included two new original tracks; "Montgomery Gee" a funk-infused disco number and "Tane Mahuta" a kiwiana rock song.