Gig Review: Kaylee Bell @ James Hay Theatre, Christchurch – 7/05/2023

I had a fantastic seat for this show, smack bang in the middle and a few rows back from the front. Absolutely perfect spot for viewing and listening. Being a chap who’s not only attended, but also played, plenty of rock/metal/punk shows, I was surprised and intrigued (and not a little bit miffed) by the lack of amplifiers and other accoutrements onstage (I’m a guitar nerd and love geeking out over that stuff). However the size of the PA system, the clouds languidly rolling over the stage from the smoke machine, and the well-positioned lights made it clear that this was going to be a show worth watching.

First up was rising star Cassie Henderson. This was my first experience of Cassie, and she was slick and professional from the get-go. Strong and confident onstage, utterly in her element, she swiftly had the capacity crowd hanging on every word. I’m someone who has physical and strong emotional reactions to music. Cassie’s second song was a new one, and full of attitude. When she really opened up her superbly pitched voice, I had goosebumps, and was close to tears. I adore listening to excellent singers, and that’s precisely what Cassie is. She had the whole crowd with her, as she covered the song Mean by her hero and inspiration Taylor Swift. A short but sweet set saw Cassie leaving the stage to well-deserved rapturous applause.

After a brief intermission, it was time for Kaylee Bell. She and her band (Corban Kuhtze (drums), Trevor Warman (bass) and Aaron Prictor (guitar) took to the stage adorned in all-white outfits with tiny splashes of colour, Kaylee herself in a custom made suit. My guitar nerd leanings were satiated, matching white Fender Telecasters and Precision bass making me unashamedly drool with envy. Kaylee ably displayed every bit of her consummate professionalism. Kaylee’s band were tight and solid, tasty and subdued. The lead guitarist was an especially lovely player, I really dug his solos, and he also had an excellent singing voice. The bass player and drummer were all smiles and energy.

However it was Kaylee we were there to see. Man, I’m so glad I got to go to this show, it was a privilege and a treat. The entire crowd clearly adored her. Kaylee hails from the small Canterbury town of Waimate… and, so do I. I actually did nostalgically tear up a little when she spoke of, and then sung about my birthplace, and she won my heart forever in that moment. Every second of that show was delivered flawlessly, with passion and joy. Kaylee and her band are clearly very comfortable together, and they all seemed to be having a great old time. By the end of the show, I was up dancing with everyone else. However, I’m not sure what I was doing when Kaylee issued instructions for the dance moves to her hit song Boots ’n All, but I obviously wasn’t listening. Everyone managed to quite happily follow along, apart from one black-clad tattooed dork who wasn’t paying enough attention.

Kaylee, your show was top-notch, your band was superb, and it was fantastic to see a fellow Waimo doing so extremely well. I hope I get to see you play again, sometime. Thank you for having me.

Photo Credit: Alec Huisman
Photos are from Kaylee Bell’s first Christchurch show on 6 May

Kaylee Bell Photo GalleryCassie Henderson Photo Gallery