ongoing Release: Farrelli Brothers - Live

Mike Farrell and the Farrelli Brothers

Mike Farrell really was the total package. Brilliant Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist & passionate performer. A gifted technician who brought real depth to the genres in which he specialised – Blues / RnB & Soul.

Born in Wairoa but raised in the Titahi Bay/Porirua district – Mike’s passion for the Blues was born out of the tough environment in which he grew up and he cut his teeth with local band ‘The Spyce of Lyfe’ and Wellington’s ‘Tom Thumb’.

Consequently, The Farrelli Bros could play for a wide cross-section of the community, crossing social barriers, not the least of which, the notoriously staunch Bellbird Arms Tavern in Manurewa, where patrons held the door open for the band to get gear in and out, which was a far cry from some of the more salubrious Auckland venues where ‘musos’ were treated with no respect at all. Be that as it may, The Farrelli Bros were consistently voted Auckland’s ‘Top Pub Band’ throughout the 90s by Metro Magazine.

The Farrelli Bros had many incarnations, but the line-up on most of this recording was fairly stable for a number a years. The band was always centred around Mike of course and was almost always a trio (guitar, bass & drums) - Neil Hannan was the longest serving bass player but other bassists over the years included Sid Limbert (Waikato variety Farrellis) and Ken Pearson. Drummers who played for The Farrelli Bros were a who’s who of the NZ scene over the time (80s & 90’s) and included Paul Dunningham & Ricky Ball (on this recording), Mike Abbott, Gordon Joll, Ross Burge, Dennis Ryan, Kevin Thomas, Steve Garden and Neil Reynolds.

You can hear from this record what an awesome player Mike was. Mike played on many recordings of course, but often uncredited, so I’m grateful to be able to present this assured and fearless performance !