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 The Wellington-based trio consists of taonga puoro (musical instruments
of the New Zealand Maori) practitioners Henare Walmsley and Alistair
Fraser, and classical guitarist and composer Michael Hogan.
Tahu combimes Taonga Puoro (Māori Musical instruments) with waiata and classical guitar to create a unique combination of Ancient voices and comtempory music soundscapes.
The Wellington-based trio consist of Taonga Puoro practitioners, Henare Walmsley and Alistair Fraser and classical guitarist and composer Michael Hogan.
Tahu began work on the album during last year's Matariki (Maori New
Year) celebrations. After a year's gestation, the result is simply beautiful.
The album skilfully layers the haunting and almost melancholic tones of
taonga puoro with the light and joyful notes of classical guitar - taking the
listener on a journey through the ancient aural landscape of Aotearoa.
The group's unique blend of improvisation and composition also features
contemporary and traditional Maori patere (chants), waiata (songs), and
karakia (prayers), which flow seamlessly over the music.
Tahu has been released in time to help usher in Matariki 2008, and is already
garnering air-play on B-net, Radio NZ, and Irirangi stations.
The album is available for purchase through all major music outlets and
online at www.tahu.net.nz
Let Tahu touch your heart with its fresh and evocative sounds.
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| Alistair Fraser is a graduate of Massey
University’s jazz programme. He plays in several
bands around Wellington, including Jess
Chambers and the Firefly Orchestra and Rosy
TinTeacaddy. He has been making and playing
taonga puoro for eight years and is involved in
running taonga puoro workshops nationwide.
“When we perform it feels like we are interacting
with the New Zealand landscape because the
material used in taonga puoro – such as bones
and stone and wood - all come from the land.
Lots of the instruments mimic natural sounds like
birds, water, and insects. These sounds are
ancient.” |
Henare Walmsley is an architect specialising in
indigenous architecture. He is also a valued and
active member of the Maori Catholic community.
Henare began his journey with taonga puoro at
a taonga puoro wananga three years ago at
Whakarewarewa, the village in Rotorua where
he was raised.
“All the stories of our songs are about nature and
enlivening people’s spirits. Each member of Tahu
has their own special little gift. I love that we
bring together indigenous ancient and
contemporary Maori songs with classical guitar.” |
Mike Hogan is a classical guitarist and composer
who has been performing and composing for 20
years. He is currently studying at the New Zealand
School of Music in Wellington. Mike first began
exploring the blend of taonga puoro and western
instruments 10 years ago, producing the highly
acclaimed multimedia show 'TORU' in 2001.
“While the mix of Tahu's instruments may seem
incongruous, the purity of sound of the classical
guitar can awaken in the mind the same direct
force of spirit as taonga puoro.” |
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