Donna Dean: ‘Forgotten Gems’ Tour, Te Ika-a-Māui, May 2025

"Not many artists have the imaginations of a Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell and Leonard Cohen. Or the creative lunacy of a John Prine, Randy Newman or Tom Waits." ~ John Apice

She’s an artist not to be missed. A velvet voice with something to say. A songwriter's songwriter. New Zealand's Donna Dean has gone about the business of making her music over the years, winning multiple APRA and Tui awards for her songwriting and record production, recording and performing with the likes of Willie Nelson, Kasey Chambers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Kelly, and Don McLean, and writing the title track to Rhonda Vincent’s 2010 Grammy nominated bluegrass album – “Destination Life”

Donna's new album, "Kisses & Other Things" features instrumental work by John Egenes, a go-to multi-instrumentalist who fills the role of producer for Donna's recordings. Also in the lineup is Dunedin bassist John Dodd, a longtime stalwart of New Zealand music. Dodd has worked with an elite group of A-List artists over the years. The new project features vocals by New Zealand singers Liv Cochrane, Kylie Price, and Anna Bowen, and with American songwriter and multiple Grammy nominee Eliza Gilkyson.

Most artists wait a lifetime to write one as good as this. Her music sparkles and sparkles and stays with you even when it’s not playing anymore. Donna Dean is far closer to the traditions of an Emmylou Harris, Lucinda Williams, Rhonda Vincent, Mary Chapin Carpenter… The proof is in the music.

~ No Depression Magazine, USA

Experience her for yourself. Not just another singer songwriter with a pretty voice. Donna Dean is the real deal.

Dodd & Egenes, Professional Musicians

In addition to being Donna Dean's touring band, partners in crime John Dodd and John Egenes also drive the bus, act as roadies, and serve as the opening act. As Egenes puts it, "If they don't rush us, we work cheaper", and as Dodd points out, "When you come to see a Donna Dean show, you don't have to pay extra to see Dodd & Egenes, Professional Musicians." The two hail from the Dunedin area and serve up their own brand of homegrown original tunes, along with the occasional cowboy poem, a few tall tales, and some outright lies.