BACK TO BLACK : A Celebration of Amy Winehouse

Following sold-out shows in both the 2018 and 2019 Wellington International Jazz Festival, BACK TO BLACK is finally heading to Auckland for one show only at The Powerstation on Friday, September 16th 2022.

BACK TO BLACK celebrates the much-loved musical styling of Amy Winehouse. Known for her rich and expressive vocals, forthright lyricism, and her eclectic mixing of genres, Amy, though gone too soon – is certainly not forgotten.

BACK TO BLACK is comprised of some of Aotearoa’s finest musicians including Vanessa Stacey (Chocolate Box Deluxe, Aretha with The APO), Lisa Tomlins (L.A.B, Rhombus, Lord Echo), Johnny Lawrence (EWH, Hollie Smith, Louis Baker), Darren Mathiassen (Shapeshifter, Kora), Daniel Hayles (Richter City Rebels, Hollie Smith, Clear Path Ensemble), Eugene Fuimaono (Whirimako Black Band) and the ‘Sweet Baby Jesus’ Horn Section. All of whom have been touched by Amy’s extraordinary career.

“…it was that voice that hooked me from the start. From my first listen to ‘Frank”, an album that Iwould play on repeat daily, I was drawn to her effortless wordplay, her musicality, and the stories and she was able to weave with the distinctive sound…. I have nothing but love for the music of the incomparable Amy Winehouse.” – Lisa Tomlins

Any Winehouse released two beautifully crafted albums in her short turbulent but memorable life. Both are rich with love, loss, pathos and humour. ‘Frank’ Amy's 2003 debut album drew critical acclaim and landed her comparisons to Sarah Vaughan and Macy Gray. Three years later Amy's sophomore album ‘Back to Black’ won her five Grammy awards including Best New Artist, Record of the Year, and Song of the Year. Following her untimely death in 2011,

Amy has been paid homage to by musicians around the world and in September ‘BACK TO BLACK – A Celebration of Amy Winehouse brings you a celebrated collection of some of Amy’s most beloved and remarkable songs.

 "Amy was the voice of our generation… her innately keen musicality, cutting lyrical wit and honesty just drew you in. It felt like she was singing my stories. She had an ability to cut right to the heart of the matter and I could not only hear her, but I could always feel her - Amy was all feel! So, when the opportunity arose to celebrate Amy both Lisa and I leapt at it” – Vanessa Stace