THE GAV - NEW CD OUT NOW

Gav Releases Solo CD

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Guitarist-songwriter Gav Collinge (aka The Gav) after years of playing other people’s music has written and produced an album of original and borrowed tunes that have stood the test of time.


The album is a compilation of instrumentals and songs he’s been playing on the streets of Auckland for the past few years where he’s attracted discerning audiences to his unique brand of busking.

Several of the pieces were written or developed during his years as a member of Ponsonby pub-band Cheek Ta Cheek or as backing for Auckland poet Keith Newman on the Buzz Words and soon to be released Cleaning out the Garage CDs.

He’s combined the spaciousness of a soundtrack with pacific rhythms and a compulsive dance tempo on the new CD.

The new CD simply titled 'The Gav' is a blend of jazz, blues, soul, dance and rhythms – which takes the listener through a journey of musical moods from relaxed ambient soundscapes to jaunty foot tapping numbers that make you want to get up and dance.

The Gav developed his memorable guitar stylings over three decades as an original member of Billy T K’s Powerhouse band back in the mid-70s, alongside paying his dues with Ponsonby pub band Cheek Ta Cheek, as a regular member of Tony Littlejohn’s funk-reggae unit and working as a duo with Mahia Blackmore. Gav plays on many of the tracks on Tony’s recent released double CD Right Occasion and partnered with Mahia on the CD Blues in the House.

The Gav describes his sound as "traveling music" with "a strut of optimism" – perhaps the perfect accompaniment to exercise or a healthy strut in the outdoors accompanied with a walkman. Get out the cross-trainers, put 'the Gav' in the tape deck and do the dance of life.

Honesty Box (Buy or copy option)

The Gav CD is now available at $25 – or you can get it on trial in a unique offer direct from The Gav. If you want to copy it and send the original back with payment of $15 that’s okay too.

Email: gavplus@kiwilink.co.nz 
or send your cheque to
The Gav
8/44 Symonds St
Auckland Central
Phone 09) 303 3450

The Gav: Track Listing
1. Walk The Walk
An elaboration on the A.A. saying suggesting members "Walk the walk and not just talk the talk"
2. Jasmine’s Lullaby
Jasmines Lullaby, Cannonball and Rene's Song are inspirations and collaborations from my time with legends of Wellingtons' 1860 tavern and Auckland's Gluepot Corner bar Cheek ta Cheek.
3. Cannonball
4. Box
5. Love Like Rain
Love like Rain, 'Box' and Charley Too originate from recording
sessions with poet Keith Newman for our albums Buzz Words and Cleaning out the Garage.
6.C’mon Down
7. Rene’s Song
8. Stay
Stay is my response to the untimely extinguishing of young talent;
"Traded the Ovation for an airline ticket home-stayin here, digging in never more to roam" easier said than done.
9. Charley Too
10. Don’t Be Fooled By Me
An anonymous piece of prose left behind by a patient at the Hamner Springs Addiction center, an insight as to how he thought he could be helped. I put it to music.
11. Whenever I Feel Afraid
The only non-original suggests my earliest roots, the soundtrack from my parents favorite musical, Rogers and Hammerstien's 'The King and I. "Whenever I feel afraid I whistle a happy tune," has become a maxim for my survival in the business of music.
All compositions "The Gav’ except 
Jasmine;s Lullaby –Gav Collinge / Pearse
Cannonball – Gav Collinge / Mahia Blackmore
Love Like Rain – Gav Collinge / Keith Newman
Don’t Be Fooled By Me – Gav Collinge / Anonymous
Whenever I Feel Afraid – Rogers & Hammerstein (from The King & I)

gav2.JPG (31629 bytes)Gav's golden grooves

The Gav is available for live performances. His warm soulful sounds will delight any audience. 

He has a fresh approach giving the standards a dust up and newer songs and his originals provide a vibrant and fresh balance. 

The Gav has a way with melody, and great sensitivity for a groove - especially if it's South Pacific Kiwi rhythms.

Gav, a veteran of the music industry is as comfortable performing at a 40th anniversary garden party as he is casting his spell on a jazz or blues club audience.


His nimble fingers and his raw edged vocals leave behind something memorable for each new audience he faces.

He has material for the more intimate venue whether coffee bar, restaurant or as a solo act in-between larger bands. His equipment fits snugly into most corners.

Gav plays semi acoustic and electric guitars and synthesizer.

He's previously worked with a number of bands including Billy T K's Powerhouse and Ponsonby pub band Cheek ta Cheek who were regulars at the old Gluepot before its demise. 

Gav has also written the musical scores for several TV documentaries and short films.

The Gav has also been working with poet-lyricist Keith Newman. The duo produced the 1997 CD-ROM of original music and lyrics called Buzz Words. 

  The two perform as Wordworx and have entertained intimate nightclub audiences and crowds at  outdoor festivals. Gav composed and arranged all tunes, melody lines and grooves for the project.

Keith and Gav recently collaborated again on Cleaning out the Garage which is due for release later in 2002.

 Gav also performs solo, with the Tony Littlejohn Band, and as duet known as Cushy Numbers with vocalist Mahia Blackmore. The Gav and Mahia r eleased their debut CD Blues in the House in 1999.


Create the right mood with The Gav on guitar, keyboard and vocals. 
Back to Gav's Web 

greendot.gif (100 bytes) Gav Collinge (The Gav), guitarist, session musician, composer and live performer.   Reasonable rates: Book now!

 greendot.gif (100 bytes)  Gav's Web page: http://www.wordworx.co.nz/Gav.html
greendot.gif (100 bytes)  Contact: Phone: 649) 3033450, 021-1149090
or email gavplus@kiwilink.co.nz