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The latest singer / songwriter sensation from New Zealand. Although Donald has been writing songs since he was 12, it took a nomination for Songwriter of the Year with his song “Communicate” (co-written with brother - James) to convince him to change his career path – at the time a negotiator in the construction / property industry – working in Australia – and to devote himself full time to music.
Donald describes the nomination as the turning point “I was living a different life then, living in Melbourne, and I took off over the weekend, left my desk job and came to the Music Awards in New Zealand.” Donald acknowledged “This music malarkey is actually quite fun.” and the die was cast.
It is a measure of the manifest talent of Donald Reid that a phone call was all it took to bring some of Australasia’s pre-eminent musicians on board to contribute to his debut album ‘In a Taxi Home’.
The album was mixed by Chris van de Geer (Stellar*) and Luke Tomes, and mastered by Neil Baldock.
The line-up includes Bones Hillman (Midnight Oil) on bass, Mike Franklin-Brown (Pluto) on drums, Bryan Bell (Dead Flowers) on piano, and Georgina Cooper (Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra) on cello.
Donald’s brother James (The Feelers) joined the party by providing 2nd guitar, some backing vocals, and co-producing the album with Donald. They also co-wrote one of the tracks on the album - ‘You and Me My Friend’.
‘In a Taxi Home’ is a stunning collection of rich and full-throated pop-rock.
Donald made the decision to forsake the huge guitar sound on some of the album even though “it is bloody good fun to play”, and introduce a cello. The result is an eclectic mix of traditional singer/songwriter meets rock band.
These are songs that are instantly memorable. Melodically powerful with lyrics that are both thoughtful and thought provoking, witty and sometimes downright cheeky.
‘In a Taxi Home’ deserves all the critical acclaim and commercial success it has enjoyed. Definitely a ‘cant live without’ album!
Congratulations Donald Reid ~ You Rock!
If you check out Donald’s websites (links at the bottom of this page) you’ll find song samples for all the songs on ‘Taxi’ and the first videos of singles released from the album. Allow some time, you won't want to leave the site – very slick, very informative.
As a special treat for Casa visitors though, here is a clip from a gorgeous demo of ‘Rose Umbrella’ which was released on the latest single ”You and Me My Friend”. This is nowhere else on the web and is only available on the single released solely here in NZ.(Yes I have promised to shop for anyone like me that just couldn’t live without it. ~ Ayles)
A personal warning for the ladies from Ayles: Donald Reid is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous, has one of those sexy, smoky voices that can make your knees tremble and is blessed with a brain and crazy sense of humour – this man is one hell of a seductive package. No responsibility will be taken for anyone that falls under his spell!
I took some of the performance shots during an Auckland show, but the vast majority of the above photos are from Donald’s personal collection of snapshots, and a huge thanks to him for allowing me to use them here. ~ Ayles
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