Raglan instrumentalist Redgie Valente reckons his beard’s longer than that of fellow muso Dave Maybee.
Not that there’s any argument about it. “It IS longer too,” Dave concedes. But then he’s taller than Redgie’s 5’4” by a couple of inches, if that counts for anything.
Redgie says he hasn’t shaved since 1975. And while Dave says he’s always had a beard he agrees “it’s never been this length”, having decided four years ago – after releasing his collaborative ‘blue grit & rhyme’ album with fellow Raglan muso Peter Skandera – to go for the old-timer look.
He’s certainly achieved that, looking these days not unlike an antipodean version of Texan legend Willie Nelson. Country, blues and jazz is Dave’s genre too, and a guitar the instrument of choice.
Then there’s Redgie, not quite as tall as his double-bass with its warm and resonant sounds; the perfect complement to Dave’s guitar.
The pair played together at this month’s ‘Live & Local’ gig down Stewart St at the Old School Arts Centre – Dave seated, wearing a cowboy hat, his selection of guitars at the ready; Redgie standing back a bit, plucking his double-bass “in the corner where I won’t be noticed”.
They’ve lived in Raglan for decades now and toured together for that long too. They also feature regularly at ‘Live & Local’ sessions where musicians, songwriters, poets and storytellers come together to perform on the second Friday of every month.
Dave reckons it’s a great atmosphere in the new upstairs performance room behind the 143-year-old school building. There’s always a good turnout – “a real home crowd” – and the ambience is palpable.
Redgie agrees: “It’s a nice vibe and also a good platform for young, local musicians to get started, to get experience.”
A lot of original music comes out of ‘Live & Local’ too, Dave reveals, acknowledging the many creative people in Whaingaroa. He’s also a music teacher here, encouraging home-grown talent every day, so he knows.
Dave was impressed at the Old School’s special Matariki evening recently by the two young performers up before he and Redgie played – Anaru weaving together ancestral voices, percussion and strings; Maia sharing her love of classical guitar, including a waiata for the occasion.
“I’ve taught classical guitar chords, and they’re not easy,” says Dave of Maia’s set. “She may’ve made a mistake or two but just carried on”, he adds admiringly.
Redgie and Dave’s long-time camaraderie dates back to the 70s and 80s when both used to play at music festivals held on Kiwi country singer-songwriter John Hore’s Canterbury farm.
These early connections have lasted, says Dave. In fact the pair have just begun recording again with The Saddleblasters – a cowboy-country group formed back in the day – even playing a fundraiser seven months ago for Te Uku School.
Other gigs come up at bars and RSAs, says Dave. But the onetime member of Raglan’s legendary Mudsharks reckons the Old School stuff with a home crowd audience makes a nice contrast. “They’re not drunk,” he laughs.
And it’s a very good sound room, Redgie chimes in, the acoustic panels taking it to the “next level”. A bit small maybe with seating for 50 only, but against that it’s more intimate.
The pair believes these regular events at the Old School – warm and welcoming, family-friendly – act as a magnet for visitors and locals alike.
It’s about growing a culture of arts and music within our community, says Dave, and our grandchildren will be immersed in it.
‘Live & Local’ happens at the Old School in Stewart St second Friday of the month, 7.30-9.30pm. Adults $10 or koha, under 18s free. Licensed bar and cafe open.
