Reviews and Endorsements
This is a selection reviews and endorsements, in chronological order:
For CD Reviews, go to the Recordings Tab
"Angel, a song weaving a tale of being lost in the Himalayans, was a sure highlight, it's delicate insight into human frailty and a 'surprise' Angel was spell-binding" (Review, Christchurch Folk Club, July 2008. For full review click here) Review
"He has a deep and heartfelt connection to the land that puts soul in his lyrics and lift's them above the run-of-the-mill "Baby broke my heart" song, and when he plays the 12 string he sounds like he's got a whole band behind him" (Richard Lawson, Actor, Lecturer, Singing Director, Melbourne, 2008)
"... a powerhouse performance by Simon Kerr & the Acoustic Junkies..." (Review of the Whitestone Folk Festival, 2007, Dave Hart, The Clarion, July)
"The Pink Floyd of Folk Music" (Whitestone Folk Festival, 2007)
"The thinking person's rock band"
(Koputai Arts Festival, Port Chalmers, 2007)
"[Simon Kerr], one of Dunedin's best is playing a great show over a couple of nights [at the fringe festival]. He's an awesome songwriter, and amazing when he brings out the 12 string so it's definitely worth checking out"(Music Promoter, Alastair Burns, 2006, Dunedin)
"April 14th, 2005 New Zealand's Simon Kerr visited the famed... Montmartre Cafe, on funky Main Street, Vancouver, BC. He treated us to an entertaining and eclectic set of material.... He was a hit with the receptive audience and we'd have him back any time" (Tim Readman, Big City Productions, Vancouver, Canada, www.timreadman.com)
"[Some] music... shuts off the mind and placates the spirit. Simon Kerr does neither. To fill an entire performance with one's own writing is remarkable for someone whose full-time job is not music. On top of that stands the world-class quality of the songs. Final Warning (about global warming) made me want to hide in Upper Erehwon. All That We Don't See doesn't fit in the classification, "song": It's a work – in three movements, including an instrumental [section].... When you have the opportunity to see Simon next time, turn off your cellphone, pay attention, and be prepared to be affected deeply" (Mike Long, Gig Review, Christchurch Folk Club, 18th April, 2004)
"Simon Kerr attended the CPIT Song and Performance Course in 2003 and stood out as a unique individual capable of a truly exceptional kiwi song, definitely right up there with the Shona Laings and the Dave Dobbyns... Simon has the ability to join the cavalcade of New Zealand songwriters deserving recognition... [He] is a prolific songwriter who also possesses considerable skill as a guitarist. His songs touch the heart yet have power and grace.... Simon is a passionate...performer who should find his mark on the festival circuit, here and abroad..." (Andy Thompson, Christchurch Polytechnic, Songwriting Lecturer)
"I have been the entertainment manager for Christchurch's leading live music venue, Micky Finn's Irish Pub. During our Acoustic Cafe, Simon became a resident performer.... He is dedicated and professional...with a strong rhythmic style as both a guitarist and singer. His material encompasses an interesting mix of covers from singer writers to his originals, which are polished and well written. He has a natural stage presence and an easy rapport with his audience. I have also been actively involved with the Christchurch Folk Music Club as President and committee member for many years and can thoroughly recommend Simon as an artist of integrity and quality" (Denny Stanway, 2004)
"Sometimes funny, sometimes serious, always entertaining" (Russell Gillies, President, Christchurch Folk Club)