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NIGEL MASTERS |
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Hi, Nigel's autobiography in printable form would normally not interest a broad enough spectrum of the global populace to warrant a place on any sensible web site, however, the Kokomo site would seem to be the single most appropriate spot for musings of this nature. Nigel's musical career began in proper at Otumoetai College in Tauranga, appointed accompanist to the prestigious school choir, the then 14 year old acoustic guitar player seemed to be off to a flying start. Highlighted by a trip to Australia in 1976 & interceded with various school productions & a crucial opening bat position in the 1st XII.
Being fascinated by music, Nigel moved to Wellington in 1979 to study music composition at Victoria. The music dept, was steered by famous people at that time, David Farquar, Dougles Lillburn, Ross Harris, the standards were exacting & a year & a half of study was about enough. Rock & Roll called loudly from the bars & cafes at the time, university was abandoned in favour of Wellington band 'The Puppets.' 'The Puppets" became the vehicle of every 19 year olds dream, 2 national tours, 2 singles, one of which came in at No: 40 in the second week, TV, Press & Radio. The band peaked while supporting 'The Cure' & 'XTC' in Wellington, 'Bad Breaks' , 'The' Dudes' , 'Pop Mechanics' & Barry Saunders band 'The Tigers' Not to be deterred, a life playing cabaret in Wellington covers band 'Crystall' was to follow almost immediately. This in tandem with working high-rise construction in the capital's CBD led to a busy life of relative prosperity after the rigours of touring. By 1984, the Wellington weather had drained all enthusiasm for life in NZ's yummiest city, the call of a peaceful provincial life could no longer be ignored.
Not to be deterred NM established Tauranga covers band 'Knee Deep' with Paul Skipper (NZ Rock Shop) 'Knee Deep' staggered on, Roger Ward, Bass, Sid Paisley, Drums, till the good folks at the Tauranga Hotel shouted "enough! But of course the Rock & Roll dream would not die, the return to providence in 1984 was punctuated by one deliberate & unusual event. A 4 track tape machine was delivered, marking the beginning of a cunning idea to set up a home studio. Two lucky breaks occurred in consecutive years, local covers band 'Nu Image' hired me as lead guitar/keyboard player in 1992, the band had lots of club work playing the local haunts sometime 3 or 4 nights a week, & as if ordained by God, I was laid off at the office & invited never to return. Yep, 1993 was the first year full time in the music business since '82, it was good to be back, the studio went from strength to strength & 'Nu Image' played on. As artists flocked to the studio in droves, it wasn't long before the Kokomo boys turned up, we made the 'When in Rome' record in about '94, Derek producing, NM engineering, the elusive Kokomo sound was captured & many celebrations were had. The combination worked well & it was no huge surprise that when Roger Bullot announced his intention to retire from the band in 1998 Derek & Grant asked if I would step in as Bass player. This worked out very well as the 'Nu Image' group had foundered previously & I had played Bass with country band 'Miles from Texas' (Chris Gunn, Andy Craw, Petersen Kohu) & also played Bass for the famous Dr Jaz. OK, I really enjoyed Bass. I didn't really enjoy Dr Jaz & only got the gig when we were recording the Give me Dr Jaz record & the Bass player left the studio early in a bit of a huff, leaving me to play the Bass parts on the last 2 songs recorded that day. Neil said "You're hired" & I was. Needless to say the association didn't last but led happily to the current association of all things Kokomo,& the Kokomo experience has in many ways been the most colourful in what looks like a lengthy playing career. For example, during the final mix down of the last song we did on 'little heroes' (probably Baby's getting Bigger - we didn't mix the songs in order) the studio seemed to become infested with disrobing women. Derek & I have discussed this at length & can't agree on what triggered the event. I think it was a subtle combination of free drinks & blue & green stage lights we had deployed to try & keep ourselves calm during the mixing ordeal, Derek is of the opinion that the song itself was responsible & there was even doubt that it should have been on the record lest it lead to wholesale spontaneous feminine nudity. |
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Under the watchful eye of MD Bob Addison, the Otumoetai
College Choir recorded a record at the Sydney Opera House in '76, marking the peak of the choir's existence.
The return to providence was a time of reflection initially, when the money ran out, it was suggested to me by those older & wiser, that perhaps a job may be the answer.
