The Chaps

October 3rd 2010
Members $15 Non-members $20

For more than 14 years, The Chaps have entertained audiences with their unique mixture of music and humour. The music has its roots in folk and bluegrass, but is flavoured with calypso and swing: they've labelled it "Cowboy Lounge".

Tight, four-part harmonies (occasionally sung in Maori or Japanese) are supported by skilful playing on guitar, fiddle, mandolin and double bass. Sometimes they add a banjo, resonator guitar, tin whistle - or castinets.

"... all are accomplished multi-instrumentalists with excellent voices and a gift for harmony." Wellington Evening Post

The Chaps have written half the songs in their repertoire. The rest is a selection of tunes seldom heard elsewhere: lesser-known country numbers; old swing tunes; and snippets from sources as varied as Elvis, The Jolly Boys and Roger Whittaker.

But it's the banter in between that really sets The Chaps apart: the sometimes crazy repartee that spares no-one - least of all the audience - making every concert a special occasion.

"Tongue in cheek, obsessive about their repertoire, their carefully casual drift from one perfect piece to the next..." The Clarion (Newsletter of the New Edinburgh Folk Club)

The Chaps have ventured out from their base in Dunedin to venues all over New Zealand. They've played every major folk festival in the country, and made two successful tours in Europe during 2003 and 2006.

Two albums have been released. "Hiphopalong" - the most recent - is a studio recording of mostly original numbers, with support from a number of musicians, including a string quartet. The earlier album "Live In the Club" was recorded at a Dunedin concert in 1992.

John Dodd Vocals, Double bass

John has played professionally since the early 1970s, in a long list of bands that includes Cripple, The Spaghettis, and the Midge Marsden band.

By day, John is head of the music department at a Dunedin secondary school. In addition to The Chaps, he plays in the R&B band Whirling Eddys, and the Southern Sinfonia.

Hyram Ballard Vocals, Guitar, Resonator guitar

A migrant from California, Hyram brings the influence of his musical roots in country and jazz. His experience in dramatic stage performance adds to the band's presentation.

During the day, Hyram runs his own Dunedin music store: Twang Town.

Marcus Turner Vocals, Mandolin, Fiddle

Marcus is well known in New Zealand as a solo folk performer and songwriter. He also plays with the Celtic group RSB and the group Footspa.

Marcus's day-job is in the offices of a television company, where he's co-ordinator of research and information.

Mike Moroney Vocals, Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo

Mike branched out from rock to folk music two or three decades ago and was for many years a member of the Pioneer Pog'n'Scroggin Bush Band. He plays with roots band Catgut and Steel, and with John in the Whirling Eddys.

Mike is an office manager for Delta Psychology. He also teaches music and organises a number of folk events, including the annual Whare Flat Folk Festival, and operates several websites including KiwiFolk.