Time Comes Around - The Best Of The Windy City Strugglers
[Catalogue No. RRR 012]

Time Comes Around brings together on one disc some of the standout recordings of one of New Zealand's longest-running bands, Wellington's Windy City Strugglers. Most of the songs have appeared on the Strugglers' five previous albums, have been performed extensively on stage by the Strugglers over the years and are time-tested favourites. Also featured are two hitherto unreleased songs, recorded just this year under the guidance of local production legend Ed Cake (Edmund McWilliams).

Purchase the CD online from CD Kiwi or Amplifier. Purchase downloads from Amplifier.

The Windy City Strugglers
[Catalogue No. RRR 011]

Shine On follows 2004's Kingfishe rand 2001's Snow On The Desert Road with a fresh collection of original songs that give a uniquely Antipodean twist to the blues and folk styles on which the group was founded.v While never straying completely from the Strugglers' roots, Shine On looks outward to encompass deep soul, bluegrass, Beatle-esque melody.. even a tinge of Parisian swing. Shine On brings to disc a number of previously unrecorded songs that have long been staples of the Strugglers' live show, along with hitherto unheard material. As ever, the bulk of the material was written by singer, guitarist and Strugglers' founder Bill Lake and songwriting partner Arthur Baysting, with several contributions from vocalist Rick Bryant.

Purchase the CD online from CD Kiwi or Amplifier. Purchase downloads from Amplifier.

Matt Hay - Inside Stories
[Catalogue No. RRR 010]

Inside Stories marks the debut as a frontman for former Cool Disposition founder and harmonica player Matt Hay. On it you will find melodies here that stick in your brain, choruses you'll want to sing along to and lyrics that offer quietly astute commentaries on life's little ups and downs. Co-produced by Hay and fellow Red Rocks 'artist Darren Watson Inside Stories is an album that stands proudly alongside the best in roots rock.

Purchase the CD online from CD Kiwi or Amplifier. Purchase downloads from Amplifier or iTunes.

Five Songs - Eva and Chris Prowse
[Catalogue No. RRR 009]

Five Songs is an EP that pays tribute to some of their influences while establishing a musical signature of their own. They offer fresh country-pop arrangements of songs by writers as diverse as Little Feat's Lowell George and New Zealand's own Bic Runga; delve into the blues in a moody treatment of a Little Milton tune, and present a pair of striking Chris Prowse originals - the upbeat, bluegrass-y 'I'll Fly For Your Love' and emotive, Irish-inflected 'Leaving Carrickfergus'.

All songs available from iTunes
Purchase the EP direct from cdkiwi.com

The Shot Band - The Shot Band
[Catalogue No. RRR 008]

One of New Zealand's best alt-country bands, combining the spirit of Johnny Cash and the swagger of Keith Richards. The Shot Band features 12 originals, with each of members contributing songs and sharing the harmonies. The result lands this CD somewhere between The Band and Ryan Adams, with a touch of Paul Kelly thrown in for good measure.

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Darren Watson - South Pacific Soul
[Catalogue No. RRR 007]

These ten all-original songs make a powerful case for Watson as one of this country's top singer-songwriters. The album is virtually a roll-call of the Wellington musical fraternity, featuring members of such well-known Wellington outfits as Trinity Roots, Twinset, Southside of Bombay and the Windy City Strugglers on a set of ten brand new originals.

All songs available from iTunes
Purchase CDs direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

The Windy City Strugglers - Kingfisher
[Catalogue No. RRR 006]

The Strugglers fourth album Kingfisher is their best yet. Kingfisher sees the band moving away from their jug band origins towards a more electric sound. All of the songs are originals and they sound great. Buy your copy now!

All songs available from iTunes
Purchase CDs direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Big Water - the best of Wellington blues
[Catalogue No. RRR 005]

A sampler of the best blues you'll hear today, in Wellington - or anywhere. The album features recordings by well-known Wellington blues artists Marg Layton, Darren Watson, and the Windy City Strugglers. Includes Dave Murphy's "Cigarette Machine" available on CD for the first time.

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

The Windy City Strugglers - Snow On The Desert Road
[Catalogue No. RRR 004]

Snow breaks new ground for the Strugglers as it consists entirely of originals written by singers Rick Bryant and Bill Lake (in collaboration with songwriting partner Arthur Baysting). Not only are the songs new but also the sound. Folk and blues like you've never heard it before.

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Rick Bryant and the Jive Bombers - Time
[Catalogue No. RRR 003]

This is Rick at his soulful best. This album features a number of Bryant originals and a scorching cover of Eddie Hinton's "Everybody Needs Love". Classic Kiwi soul.

Our very own King of Soul . . .

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

The Windy City Strugglers - On Top Of The World
[Catalogue No. RRR 002]

The Strugglers second album features more of the same world blues music for which they are renowned. Highlights include Bill Lake and Arthur Baysting's classic "Can't Get Back" on CD for the first time and a stunning rendition of the Mississippi Shieks' "Sitting On Top Of The World".

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Bill Lake - Home Truths
[Catalogue No. RRR 001]

Home Truths is Bill's debut album as a solo artist. It features 14 original songs penned by Bill alone or in collaboration with songwriting partner Arthur Baysting. Although the songs maybe the focus Bill's singing and guitar playing are equally impressive. Includes live favourite "The Way Of The World".

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Struggle No More - Windy City Strugglers DVD by Costa Boates

If you missed seeing Costa Botes' feature-length documentary about the Windy City Strugglers, Struggle No More, at the film festival or on Sky's Documentary Channel then you can purchase the DVD from the address below......

"Rewards with its intimacy, the modesty and commitment of its musing musos, and a quiet sense of humour" - Philip Wakefield, Dominion Post

To order the DVD of the documentary, send $40 ($35 for the DVD plus $5 postage) by cheque payable to:
Costa Botes at 80 Hataitai Road, Hataitai, Wellington 6021, New Zealand.

Marg Layton - Trouble & Satisfaction
Released on BottleNeck Records (catalogue No. BN001)

Trouble & Satisfaction is Marg's debut album. It showcases Marg singing a cross-section of the blues styles for which she is renowned. Features live favourites "Wild Women Don't Have The Blues" and "Down In The Dumps".

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Cool Disposition- Safe In Sound
Released on Riff Raff Records

Formed around the nucleus of vocalist and guitarist Julian Dixon and harp player Matt Hay Cool Disposition took their cue from the electric blues styles from Chicago and Texas. Safe In Sound is their one and only album. Sadly the band is no mo'.

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.

Darren Watson - King Size
Released on Beluga Records (catalogue No. BELNZ 001)

Unquestionably one of New Zealand's finest blues recordings. Nominated for a New Zealand music award for best Roots Album of 2002. Features Watson originals "Big Water" and "Love Ain't No Game"

Purchase direct from either cdkiwi.com or smokecds.com.