The Frank Burkitt Band have won the 2019 Best Folk Artist Tui, which was presented at the Auckland Folk Festival this evening.
From left: Kara Filbey, Cameron Burnell, Frank Burkitt, James Geluk Photo: Supplied
A folk songwriter at his core, Frank Burkitt blends American roots music with hints of jazz, blues and swing in his music.
When he relocated to Wellington with his partner and backing vocalist Kara Filbey, he formed an string band, enlisting the talents of blues and country mandolin player Cameron Burnell and jazz double bassist James Geluk.
LISTEN: The Frank Burkitt Band perform live on RNZ
The group released their debut album Fools & Kings in 2015, quickly becoming festival favourites throughout New Zealand. They released their second album Raconteur in March.
In 2019 they're planning to tour their new live EP Lost but Alive with shows scheduled in New Zealand, Australia and the UK.
Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan says the diversity of finalists this year shows how strong and robust the folk music genre is.
“Congratulations to Frank Burkitt and the band who work together to create such vibrant, interesting music to listen to. Their unique blend of folk with American roots, swing and jazz make for infectious listening.”
The other finalists for the 2019 Tui were two-time Best Folk Artist winners Great North following the release of their album The Golden Age, and Jono Heyes for his 2017 release 9 Pilgrims, which blends world music with high energy folk music.
The 2019 Best Folk Artist Tui was presented at the Auckland Folk Festival, an annual festival of music, song and dance held at Kumeu Showground, northwest of Auckland.
It is organised by members of Devonport Folk Music Club, Titirangi Folk Music Club, Auckland Bluegrass & Traditional Old Time Country Music Club, Gaidhealtachd, and The City of Auckland Morris Dancers.
Recent previous winners of the Tui for Best Folk Album:
- 2013 – Great North – Halves
- 2014 – Tattletale Saints – How Red Is the Blood
- 2015 – Great North – Up In Smoke
- 2016 – Holly Arrowsmith – For The Weary Traveller
- 2017 – Guy Wishart – West By North
- 2018 – Albi & The Wolves – One Eye Open
