When Donald Reid’s debut solo album launched in 2006 the critical response was overwhelmingly complimentary. A perfect showcase for his deliciously husky voice and urgent delivery, the album was described as spectacular, energetic, melodic, intelligent and catchy. It was apparent the singer-songwriter had come up with some of the most assured and addictive songs New Zealand had heard for some time. Little wonder that respected music critic Graham Reid immediately likened him to Neil Finn, Greg Johnson and Dave Dobbyn.

“In A Taxi Home” (co-produced with brother James Reid -The Feelers) was recorded independently and featured a selection of songs from Donald’s vast repertoire of original works. He enjoyed significant radio play of singles “Forget Myself”; “All the Advice” and the infectious radio hit “You and Me My Friend” which was picked as the promotional theme tune for the Rugby World Cup 2007.

During 2006-07, Donald immersed himself in numerous Auckland performances and two nationwide tours - endearing himself to unsuspecting audiences with cheeky banter and the sublime incorporation of cello into his set. During this time he also played support shows with Martha Wainwright, Simple Minds, Kris Kristofferson, Carole King and Eskimo Joe.

Born into a musically talented, Christchurch family of five, Donald enjoyed music from an early age. By the time he was 7 he’d learned the ukulele and banjo. Piano lessons soon followed but it was the guitar that he wanted to master so he taught himself by reading chord charts and watching his father and sisters play. He started writing songs at 13 and by 14 had formed a band with two school friends - Written in Red. Despite their youth and inexperience, the group were awarded “Best Music Video” at the New Zealand Music Awards, and recorded an album called “Non-Toxic.”

After completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Property and Law, Donald headed out into the world and found himself in Japan where he spent a year playing with a local band in Yakuza owned nightclubs.

He then traveled through Europe and Asia, writing and gigging before settling in Melbourne where he worked in the construction industry. But a change of career path wasn’t far away.

Donald had spent much of his time overseas adding to his impressive number of original songs and it was a foregone conclusion that he would eventually write with his brother James. The two had occasionally found themselves in the same country, and in between tinkering with a musical, co-wrote several singles for two Feelers albums.

When the Feelers single “Communicate” saw Donald nominated for “Best Songwriter of the Year” at the 2002 New Zealand Music Awards, he headed back to New Zealand for the ceremony. This proved to be a pivotal moment in the singer’s career. He saw that the New Zealand industry was flourishing and decided to “chuck in the day job” in order to pursue his passion.

Back home with over 200 songs to choose from, Donald then set about deciding which should make the cut. A decision made simple by his strongly held belief that any song that couldn’t stand up to scrutiny when played without accompaniment didn’t deserve to be included. The two brothers then set about recording “In A Taxi Home” in various studios but notably Abbey Road in London.

Donald is currently planning an upcoming European tour and recording his next album that looks set for release in early 2008.

A long time supporter of KidsCan, a Charitable Trust, which provides for underprivileged children, Donald has also recorded a charity single (“In The Air Tonight”) for the organisation with James Reid and Jordan Luck.

The previously mentioned musical is still a work in progress.

The Facts and Figures:

Lives: Auckland

Debut Solo Album: “In A Taxi Home”
Donald Reid is accompanied by Bones Hillman (Midnight Oil, Bass), Mike Franklin-Brown (Pluto, Drums), Bryan Bell (Dead Flowers, Piano), Georgina Cooper (Auckland Philharmonic Orchestra, Cello) and James Reid (The Feelers, guitar)

Single Statistics:
“You and Me My Friend” – 40 weeks in the airplay charts peaking in the top 3 position.

“All The Advice” ” – 40 weeks in the airplay charts peaking in the top 8 position.

2nd Album: (title TBC)
Donald Reid is accompanied by Geoff Fitzpatrick (bass), Mike Franklin-Browne (Pluto –drums), Rachel Wells (cello), Miriam Clancy (backing vocals) and James Reid (the Feelers, guitar)

What the Critics Say:

Graham Reid (New Zealand Herald)

“Reid has a way with a melody that is as natural and unforced as Neil Finn, and his songs have that great virtue: big, identifiable, and memorable choruses. You need only hear the title track of this impressive album once and you’ll remember it forever.”

North And South
“In A Taxi Home is a polished pop album for adults…The lyrics win the war against cliché and the melodic grace of many of the songs makes it hard to believe that this is a debut effort. Time has been spent on the writing and recording of the songs and it shows.”

You and Me, My Friend

Rock

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