Sam Ford and Trudi Green – Sweet Sweet Love

Sam Ford and Trudi Green were fixtures of the Ponsonby scene, back in the day.

They had both lived in the area since the early 70s until they left for London in 1999.

Their music wasn’t heard live again in Auckland until 2013, when they returned for one show at The Kings Arms after the release of their album ‘You & Me’, backed by members of their various old bands. The success of that gig, plus the fun they had playing again with old friends, was the inspiration to return to these shores three years ago.

Now they are launching a new album, this time at the Pt Chevalier RSA on Sunday afternoon, the 22 March. Doors open at 3.30pm. ‘Sweet Sweet Love’, co-produced with renowned Auckland multi-instrumentalist Chris Nielson, is almost impossible to categorise. There are country, dixie, funk, Polynesian, pop, soul and a bit of south of the border thrown in for good measure, and yet it retains a cohesive and unified sound throughout – every song is part of the family.

In the words of music writer and journalist Garth Cartwright: “What makes ‘Sweet Sweet Love’ distinctive is just how un-derivative Sam and Trudi’s sound is. Unlike many a contemporary soul outfit who simply mimic what went before, their sound exudes their love of Aotearoa and Polynesia.”

The launch gig will see Sam and Trudi backed by a 10-piece band of top-class Auckland musicians, including a horn section and backing singers – well worth catching.

PT CHEVALIER RSA – Sunday, 22 March at 3.30pm.