UK band Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged joins WOMAD 2012 Line-Up

British fusion band Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged has been confirmed for WOMAD New Zealand 2012.

With a devoted following in London, and acclaimed performances headlining Cambridge Folk Festival and at SXSW in Texas, Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged has a growing worldwide following.

The band, Alabama 3 sprang to international fame when the producers of the hit TV series The Sopranos chose their song ‘Woke Up This Morning’ for the show’s theme. The four-piece stripped down acoustic outfit Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged brings a new dimension to the songs made famous by Alabama 3.

WOMAD New Zealand artistic director Drew James says “We are absolutely thrilled to have been able to secure Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged for their first ever tour to New Zealand. They are a phenomenal live band with a fusion of country, gospel and delta blues, that will have everyone up and dancing.”


Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged joins artists from another 17 countries for WOMAD New Zealand 2012 which takes place at New Plymouth’s Brooklands Park and TSB Bowl of Brooklands from 16-18 March.

Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged features founding Alabama 3 member Larry Love (vocals), together with Rock Freebase (guitar) and Harpo Strangelove (harmonica), with new member Aurora Dawn (vocals), who the band says brings “an added injection of soul”.

Guitarist Rock Freebase says the stripped-down style of Alabama 3 Acoustic and Unplugged allows the band to perform the songs in a format reminiscent of the people who have been the band’s inspiration, particularly old Delta Blues players Fred MacDowell and Bukka White.

The band’s performance at WOMAD New Zealand 2012 will include new and original material which will feature on an album due to be released in February.

As well as 30 hours of music on the seven stages, WOMAD New Zealand 2012 features artists in conversation, Taste the World – this year hosted by Masterchef runner-up Jax, artist workshops, a global village, sustainable village, Kidzone and the option to camp at the adjacent racecourse. Seniors have special viewing platforms at the three main stages with seating, shade and free water sponsored by TSB Bank.

WOMAD is an international festival created by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Brooman in 1982. Since then 21 countries have hosted the festival and entertained millions of festival goers.

Tickets for WOMAD New Zealand 2012 are now on sale through Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz. The full line-up and detailed information is available on the WOMAD website www.womad.co.nz