Julia Dorry Ponsonby Social Club September 9, 2023

Saturday night and the Ponsonby Social Club is buzzing as Julia Dorry and her band perform their own brand of sweet soul music.

The German-born singer moved to New Zealand from Berlin about six years ago along with her Brazilian-born husband Ed Curva who made a guest appearance on the PSC stage tonight.

Julia DorryOn this night Julia was back by a six-piece band featuring Stallone D’Souza – keys, Hannah Elise – bass, Hannah DK – drums, Matt Hoyles – electric guitar, Francesca Parussini – Saxophone and Sarah Christie – backing vocals.

When I arrived, just after 8:30, the band had just played two songs and Julia was introducing us to her formidable friends. She then performed You Won’t and Are You Ready To Love me with Francesca’s sax adding a Southern Soul vibe to the room.

It was a mix of covers and originals with Julia showing her love for The Tedschi Trucks Band, covering two of their tunes (Hear Me & These Walls) along with a bluesy I Got A Woman/Got My Mojo Working.

Ed Curva joined in for Julia’s debut single You Make Me and then showed off his stuff on a Marvin Gaye medley while guitarist Matt Hoyles enjoyed his time in the spotlight during Purple Rain.

Julia DorryBacking vocalist Sarah Christie made a case for herself taking the lead as she and Julia duetted on With A Little Help From My Friend again with Francesca’s sax bringing it all home.

And we were sent home with Julia’s latest single, Everything Is Alright ringing in our ears, the bright, sunny funky number leaving us with a spring in our step.

New Zealand has a legacy of importing excellent musicians, I’m thinking of Tami Neilson and Reb Fountain, and giving them a platform to excel. Let’s add Julia Dorry to that list.

Marty Duda

Click on any image to view a photo gallery by Hamish Graham:

Julia Dorry Setlist:

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  1. You Won’t
  2. Are You Ready To Love Me
  3. Hear Me
  4. You Make ME
  5. Sexual Healing/Let’s Get It On
  6. I Got A Woman/Got My Mojo Working
  7. These Walls
  8. Newborn Woman
  9. Purple Rain
  10. With A Little Help From My Friend
  11. Everything Is Alright.