Guitars talking to each other. That was the kind of sound created by Philip Malan and Natasha Meister, two independent artists who formed a duo set for the National Arts Festival.
Guitars talking to each other. That was the kind of sound created by Philip Malan and Natasha Meister, two independent artists who formed a duo set for the National Arts Festival.
When Canadian-born singer-songwriter Meister teams up with Malan on his instrumental pieces, and vice versa, each contributes something to the other artist's work.
Malan's is intricate and instrumental, his main piece in their set heavy with Cuban influences and reliant on the two guitars speaking to one another, creating the effect of a conversation.
Meister is more contemporary and popular-music oriented, performing covers like Amy Winehouse's Valerie and Pumped up Kicks by Foster the People.
Meister's lyrics are occasionally hard to catch as she trips across them, but her voice is engaging and pleasant on the ear.
Both musicians are excellent guitarists.
Meister's style seems blues- and rock-inspired, while Malan's finger-picking suggests finer, more precise training and practice.
The pair played their first gig at the Albany Cabaret Club on Wednesday 3 July to a full house. Their last of four shows are on Friday 5 July at 7pm and Saturday 6 July at 1pm at the Albany Club.
