One of the highlights of the hui was this collection of Maori art telling the sad story of Nia Glassie. The artist used cultural symbolism and glass in her piece about this young 3 year old child who was battered and killed. The horrific abuse astounded New Zealand, bringing it to its knees. One of the things that was so powerful was the significance of glass, causing you to see your own image reflected in the art composition. Read More
For over 20 years Mark Riley, a Californian by birth, has come to appreciate and embrace the life, culture and sounds of the Hawaiian nation. In order to honour the people and respect the friends and place he now calls home, this recording has involved cultural expressions, natural soundscapes and Hawaiian musicians to help tell Mark’s unfolding story of journeying with God on the island of Kaua’i as well as internationally. The melding of modern music and indigenous Hawaiian instruments on this project is a symbol of different people groups coming together in unity and exploring their God given heritage and unique musical gifts. Want more info about Mark www.markrileymusic.com
Check out some of the traditional instruments that we used on Mark Riley’s recordings.
This is a pahu drum used in hula. I have seen two versions, a short one used in Hula (pahu hula) and a taller one, often called a temple drum (pahu heiau) apparently used in religious ceremonies. They play it with their fingers or hands or both. It is made from the bottom of a coconut tree or breadfruit wood and in the past often the skin was made of shark, nowadays hide and plastic are often used.
The Maori – the indigenous people of New Zealand/Aotearoa
Our thanks go to Cindy Ruakere, from NZ for her friendship and input.
Historically the Maori were a people whose traditions and history were recorded and transmitted orally with the greatest of care. The traditional vehicle for this treasure were chants, song, dance and playing of instruments and this continues to be the means of transferring knowledge from Tipuna (ancestors), to the present day, to Mokopuna (grandchildren)……
Every chant, song, haka and sound had a useful purpose. It caused strength to be gained through learning of one’s history, it averted evil, relieved the mind of sorrow when a battle was lost or a loved one killed, it could obtain the love of a woman on whom the heart was set. As numerous as the sounds are, so too were the reasons for them. Read More
15thFeb-20th Vancouver, Washington. www.forwardedge.org
Then on to another missions conference (where Martin and Mark led the music) with Forward Edge International. We heard many stories from Tibet, Sri Lanka (Tsunami relief) and Louisiana where they are doing restoring and repair work after the hurricane damage. Since the catastrophe they have sent around 55 teams southwards to help.
23rd Jan.-15th Feb Hawaii www.markrileymusic.com
A wonderful time with Mark and his family, on the island of Kauai, looking at new songs and ideas for his next project. Martin got to sit in with a Tahitian drum group to learn more of their music, and coached one of the local football teams. If you have not heard the wonderful toerre drum being played …. then check this clip, amazing team work. The core group will be 3 log drummers each playing a different interlocking rhythm.
You can also check out some photos from a festival of Tahitian music ♥
19th-22nd Jan San Diego
A return visit to the City of Refuge San Diego, to catch up on all their news. It is run by an incredible couple called David and Christine Dewitt who have an incredible capacity of compassion for those who are in need. You may remember that we have been there many times before and, as usual, we were involved with their daily life and work, as they continue to bring hope to those in despair. It was amazing to see how all their building work had been completed enabling them to feed and care for so many more people.
22nd April/30th May
Reflections from the Garden Isle.
He wai ua, ua ka ua
(Indeed, it rains. It rains upon the land.)
For six weeks the island of Kaua’i, one of the oldest Hawaiian islands became our home. Known as the garden isle for its amazing plants and stunning fauna, and also renowned for being the wettest place in the world. An extinct volcano stands high in the middle of the island and is nearly always topped with rain clouds. Because of its beautiful beaches, rugged terrain and tropical climate, the island has become a tourist haven, famous for the number of films that have been set within its shores. Read More
Stones of Remembrance (Hawaii) CD
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