Capital Blues Presents: Bill Lake's Slow Bake

“Gentle, sometimes witty and just as often moving reflections at every turn” – Graham Reid

Guitarist, singer and songwriter Bill Lake is a cornerstone of Aotearoa’s musical landscape. With a career spanning more than four decades, Bill has shaped the sound of New Zealand roots music—leading the iconic Windy City Strugglers, co-founding the pioneering rock outfit Mammal, and fronting the brassy, groove-laden Pelicans in the 80s.

A gifted storyteller with a wry lyrical touch, Bill’s songs have been covered by Midge Marsden, Darren Watson, Kokomo, Rag Poets and Marg Layton. His live performances are intimate, soulful affairs—equal parts reflection and revelation.

Bill is joined by longtime friend and Mammal bandmate Steve Hemmens, recently returned from the UK, whose supple bass lines bring warmth and swing. Rounding out the trio is multi-instrumentalist Alan Norman (The Warratahs, Rag Poets), adding colour and texture on accordion, percussion, guitar and piano.

Together, they offer a rich, rootsy blend of blues, folk and country—music with heart, history, and a touch of Wellington grit.