The only other artist I could recall performing with the APO was Teeks but I sadly missed that performance. However I was determined not to miss this one. I really enjoy Louis Baker’s music and have seen him live before so I was excited to see how he would perform his music in collaboration with the Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra.
As I arrived to the Town Hall it was a different feeling than going to your usual gig. This is a bit more of a formal affair and the crowd demographic was somewhat of what I expected. Though there were quite a few familiar industry faces in the crowd as well. It definitely made the night feel quite important. I mean it is. Because it’s not everyday and artist performs with an orchestra.
The call went over the speaker and the crowd made their way inside the hall to their seats. I swapped seats with the women next to me as she couldn’t see as well and her seat was better for me to pop out and take photos as needed. I could also still see as I was taller. Then we just got chatting as she was there by herself as well. It was definitely a lovely crowd
Louis didn’t come out straight away. Instead the show started with a tribute performance from the APO for Ennio Morricone (Italian composer, orchestrator, conductor, and trumpet player). They covered quite a few scores from movies he had been a part of which clearly bought some memories back for the crowd, judging from their reaction. I have always appreciated seeing an orchestra or just what I would say is raw instrumentation, live. It is incredible to see how every instrument, though may have a small note, it is still a big part of the music. There are just so many different elements and so much to hear and see. If you haven’t seen a performance like this before I highly recommend the experience.
There was then a short break which allowed people to pop out for a drink top-up or to just stretch a bit, not to say we had been sitting long. But it wasn’t long before the show commenced again. First Louis band took the stage, followed by the Orchestra then Louis and the conductor themselves.
Louis took the stage in a black suit with a white shirt underneath. It was definitely the night for it. The Town Hall was full of people and I can’t imagine what that must have been like for him to see on what is such a special night. Louis kicked off the set with ‘Heavy Stone’ which is definitely a favourite of mine, but an old one nonetheless. Taken from his self-titled EP, released in 2014. It was such a nice way to start the set and really set the bar for the evening in regards to music and vocals. There is something special about the type of music Louis creates in that, there is quite the focus on his vocals. Hearing the passion and emotion in the performance just adds another element to the performance and that paired with an orchestra?! Incredible.
Though he was in formal attire, he did admit it was hot and that he would take the jacket off but then he’d look like a waiter. The crowd laughed and encouraged him to do. I think once the visual got put in people’s head, it had to be seen. Louis told stories during his performance. But how can you not talk about who you are, your music journey and this performance. It was postponed due to lockdowns and as I mentioned, it is definitely a special night. One of the stories was about his Koro who was injured in battle and had to re-learn to speak. To help his speech, every morning he would say “Today’s going to be a good day” and Louis thought his determination and positivity was incredible. But then Louis took that to another level as he followed that track with a performance of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ which he walked the crowd to sing with him. And that they did. I’ve seen Louis perform this cover before and he truly does it so well and with such passion that you could almost think it was his song.
Louis was joined by Esther Stephens and Laughton Kora on backing vocals and if that wasn’t enough, Nathan Haines joined him onstage with the flute to perform Louis’ new song ‘Love Levitates’. He had quite the band too! And I’m sorry I don’t remember their names. I do know Marika Hodgson, because she performs with a lot artists I’be seen. But all awesome nonetheless.
It is really hard to put this night into words as much as I try. Honestly it was an incredibly beautiful performance. And my night ended by meeting Louis at the merch stand where he was signing things after the show. Fans were excited, giving him hugs, getting photos and getting his albums & vinyls signed. Such a nice way to end a great night!
SETLIST:
HEAVY STONE
ALIVE
BIRDS
ADDICT
BLACK CROW
BRIGHTER DAY
PURPLE RAIN (PRINCE COVER)
SO LO
JUST A MEMORY
LOVE LEVITATES
RAINBOW
THE PEOPLE