THE SADDLEBLASTERS
American Roots Country Blues

The Saddleblasters are a New Zealand country and western group with strong links to the classic Kiwi country music scene, dating back to 1989.

The band first formed during a Northland tour when John Grenell and Dave Maybee were travelling together. During the trip they were given a cassette of songs by then little-known Northland songwriter Neil Hersey.

The Saddleblasters music combines classic American country influences with stories and landscapes from New Zealand.

Most of the band’s early recordings were made between 1989 and 2006, primarily in Dave Maybee’s studio in Raglan.

The recordings remained unreleased until 2021–2022, when they were issued through Blue Country Records / DO IT Records.

Most of the songs were written by Neil Hersey. The recordings feature:

• John Grenell – lead vocals, guitar

• Neil Hersey – songwriter, guitar, vocals

• Dave Maybee – guitar, vocals, mandolin, dobro plus production & engineering

Aupouri Angel (2021)

Single. First commercial release from the archive recordings. Lead vocals by John Grenell.

I Won’t Ever Get Over You (2021)

Digital single released ahead of the album.

Wild Stallion (2022)

Third digital single.

I Won’t Ever Get Over You (2022)

Short digital EP built around the title track.

Ride Again (2022)

Debut full-length album compiled from the previously unreleased recordings.

Opening for The Highwaymen (1991)

John Grenell and Dave Maybee opened for the legendary American country supergroup The Highwaymen during their New Zealand tour at Mt Smart Stadium. This experience became one of the defining moments of their careers, with Maybee recalling opportunities to meet and play the instruments of Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Kris Kristofferson and Waylon Jennings.

Musical style

The Saddleblasters, like The Highwaymen, combine classic American country influences alongside stories and experiences of life in New Zealand:

• Traditional country
• Cowboy music
• Western ballads

Regular recording sessions (1990s)

Between tours the band recorded extensively. Most sessions took place in:

• Dave Maybee’s recording studio Karioi Sound in Raglan
• Neil Hersey’s Hidden Valley Horse Ranch

Rather than recording complete commercial albums, the group accumulated a catalogue of original songs, largely written by Neil Hersey. Around 25 tracks were eventually archived.

Years of touring (1990s–2006)

Throughout this period the band continued to perform around New Zealand while steadily adding to its archive of recordings.

Songs from this era include (vocals):

• Aupouri Angel(Neil Hersey)
• Wild Stallion (Neil Hersey & Dave Maybee)
• Kaimanawa Horses (John Grenell & Neil Hersey)
• Southern Tussock/Driftin’ Along (Dave Maybee & Neil Hersey)
• Racing to Win (John Grenell)
• Misty Memories (Neil Hersey)
• Riding for the Disabled (John Grenell)
• Kentucky Wildstar (Neil Hersey)
• I Won’t Ever Get Over You (John Grenell & Neil Hersey)
• High Country Cattleman (Neil Hersey)
• Won’t You Come Home For Christmas (Neil Hersey)
• That’s The Time I Miss You The Most (Dave Maybee)
• She’s Out There Somewhere (Dave Maybee)

Click the Red Arrows to listen to the songs play on this page

Kentucky Wildstar, composed and sung by Neil Hersey

The Magic Is Mine, composed and sung by Dave Maybee

Betty Diprose (left) is a prominent musician, known for hosting waiata and ukulele workshops (often alongside Lucy Haru) at the Raglan Ukulele Festival and performing with the musical group The Ragtimers. She also performs alongside her husband, Ray Diprose, in the band The Music Lovers.