Band enchants on national tour

Mel Parsons, one of New Zealand's rising singer-songwriting stars, with bass player Aaron Stewart (right), drummer Nick George and guitarist-backing vocalist Andy Moore, as the Rhythm Kings, enchanted the more than 30 people in the Winehouse, Gibbston, on Saturday night.

The soulful artist played an up-tempo and harmonious set of country, folk and jazz influenced, hook-laden and dark-edged songs from her new album Red Grey Blue and her Tui Award-finalist debut album Over My Shoulder.

The West Coast farm-raised Ms Parsons and band hit the road to Christchurch airport yesterday to fly to Nelson for their next gig on October 6, as part of a 20-date national tour.