Review by Rodger Gallagher
On Saturday 1st June singer songwriter Rachel Dawick, brought the lives of pioneer women to life through song. The enthusiastic audience at the Old School Arts Centre appreciated the results of Rachel’s 2000km journey and two-year project to unearth the previously untold stories of New Zealand pioneer women and write songs about them.
For me her first song about a young Irish women on a sailing ship bound for New Zealand, brought to life the similar experiences of my great grandmother when she came to New Zealand on the Louisa in 1866. Rachel’s new songs about the pioneer women then covered New Zealand experiences covering the intriguing tales of prostitutes, missionary wives, goldminers and magicians. These songs were interspersed with well known Irish and New Zealand folk music. The rich tones of Rachel’s voice were complimented by acclaimed musician Jon Sanders playing a wide variety of instruments.
This Raglan performance, recorded by Tom McCormick was the last in a nationwide tour ahead of an album release of the songs in September.