The DeSotos & Sam RB

Sam RB is an Auckland singer-songwriter, musician, busker and Olympic anthem writer. She is currently funding her next album (to be recorded with Eddie Rayner) by playing music on the Streets of Auckland. She self-released her debut album in 2010 (Seems I Might Be Human) and one single ‘Life Has Just Begun’ features in the NZ film ‘The Insatiable Moon.'

2012 has started with her song ‘Stand Tall’ winning the Play It Strange Olympic Songwriting Competition and being announced as New Zealand’s Olympic Anthem for the London Olympics. Chris Laidlaw describes the anthem as “aspirational... a song like the ones we used to know from a time we thought might have gone..maybe it hasn't".

Other recent performances include the Fonterra Shout Kiwi Day Out at the Auckland Domain, and the TSB Bank Festival Of Lights in New Plymouth. Sam also provides music at private functions and corporate events.

Mike Chunn, who has been a mentor to Sam, says “Sam’s song-writing skills and the beautiful ambition that has propelled those songs to reality, makes for a story to be celebrated. Against many odds Sam has crawled, knelt and reached until she now stands tall with a body of work – an album of wonderful, brave and honest songs – that show her to be a major talent.”

The DeSotos - “A powerful blend of rock-infused country blues”

The DeSotos have cemented their place as New Zealand's leading exponents of the Americana / country blues genres following the release of two albums that have been universally embraced by the critics.
2008's “Cross Your Heart” was voted Manu Taylor's no 1 New Zealand album of the year, and the 2011 release “Your Highway For Tonight” has received glowing reviews nationally and in the US.
Both albums have supplied the theme and continuity music to the TVNZ South and North series presented by Marcus Lush.
And their live show steps it up a notch further – 4 part harmonies, rootsy Gretsch guitar, Hammond organ with Leslie, and a rock solid rhythm section make for a tight and dynamic live sound that is as exciting as it is unique.

Paul Gurney – lead vocals, guitars
Stuart McIntyre – bass, vocals
Ron Stevens – Hammond, keyboards, vocals
Michael Burrows – drums, vocals

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