Wonderful new song from New Zealand by Dale and David Garratt – written to bless the people of Ōtautahi (Christchurch).
We are back on Kaua’i, getting ready for an event in San Diego with good friend Mark Riley. It’s been great to meet Leilani Rivera Low, a wonderful hula dancer and singer who will be joining us. And I always look forward to meeting up with Tepairu Manea to learn more about the world of Tahitian drumming. If you are in Kapa’a on Saturday listen out for some beats
WOW – more amazing news – The album Carry Me On we produced has been named a finalist for the 41st Annual Nā Hōkū Hanohano Awards for Religious Album of the Year category in Hawai’i. Read More
This video comes from Aotearoa, New Zealand – the land of the long white cloud. It is an incredible cultural tribute, honouring a teacher who died. Made us both cry! It is their school Haka and this is the translation: Read More
Thanks to Bonnie for introducing us to this wonderful TV documentary from New Zealand about 4 musicians, Ruia Aperahama, Maisey Rika, Anika Moa and Warren Maxwell who take the art of songwriting into prisons. With the incredible technology we have at our finger tips today you can watch the whole series on the web – Maori TV – Songs from the inside.
In February 2014, a second series of programs started, this time Auckland prisons Paremoremo and the Auckland Region Women’s Corrections Facility were the recipients of the musical program. Joining Anika Moa this time is; Don McGlashan, Laugton Kora and Annie Crummer. Video from this series will also be available globally online.
Great night playing music to support KUGA (Kaua’i Underground Artists). We were fund raising for an annual initiative called Love Life Creative Festival that started in 2009 after a spate of suicides on the island amongst the youth. KUGA are committed to the development of children and young adults in a positive and creative environment through dance, music and lyrics.
We had a great morning recording on the island of Hawai’i – we met Lokelani Dahl and she shared with us a few Hawaiian Oli (chants). The Hawaiian language was not written down until the 1820’s and so before this time there way of preserving history was through the use of songs, chants, and poems. Read More
I have been learning Tahitian drumming when ever I get a chance to come to Kaua’i – and this trip I was very honoured when my teacher, Tepairu Manea invited me to play at a small craft fair event with his band. I had so much fun. The instruments played are Tahitian log drums called Tuerre (pronounced Tuelle) and a type of bass drum known as a Pahu. Can you spot the haoli (white boy)?
One of the best books of Hawaii’s history is Shoal of Time – A history of the Hawaiian Islands written by Gavan Daws. The research that Gavan has done is incredible and he manages not to get bogged down in dates and details by telling fascinating stories that capture the stories and events of the people that have influenced the history of these amazing islands.
If you prefer novels, then try James A. Michener’s – Hawaii – a huge volume that paints an amazing picture of how the different people’s that have migrated to the islands have stamped their imprint upon the culture of the land.
Found this Hawaiian phrase – ‘IKE ‘IA NO A LOEA I KE KUAHU which translates as “An expert is recognized by the altar he builds.” The meaning behind the phrase is that “it takes a lifetime to learn and that wisdom comes with experience and time.” It also suggests that you should “Ask your elders and those who have walked before you to provide advice. They’ve already lived.”
Here is a brief look at a couple of the indigenous percussive instruments we used on Mark Riley’s latest recording – the Ipu Heke and the ‘Ūlili.
Creativity has no rules! As we explore new ideas with Mark Riley here on Kaua’i – we find ourselves building songs from very different beginnings. For instance some ideas have been thought through on ukelele and voice and appropriate backing and context is to be found – others start with a rhythmic foundation, allowing spontaneous new melodic structure to evolve. Here are some of the traditional rhythmic instruments I have been using to create – Read More
We have been out working in Hawai’i again – we love the mix of people we get to meet on the islands – came across this story of a Tongan dancer who is preserving traditional Tongan dance and stories in New Zealand.
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