It’s that time of the year when Christmas songs hit the airwaves. 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.
Just spent a couple of days with Kerst Sikkema (Netherlands) recording. Sometimes situations dictate your creativity and with this song that was definitely the case. We had tried to record Kerst playing grand piano on 2 occasions in different rehearsal studios in London – both times we had noise problems, work men outside one studio and a very noisy foot pedal! So – we started being creative with sounds and this led us to the final result.
Avondlicht
English translation : Read More
Enjoying a few days in Tel Aviv @ Pluto studios I am here recording a Hebrew project with Ruth Fazal – Canadian violinist and singer/songwriter. Although I don’t have much down time – it has been very interesting being in Tel Aviv, a vibrant city that never seems to slow down, and as one taxi driver told me “This is one big party city, the world comes here to play”.
We have been in Edinburgh recording Colin Symes singing this wonderful Aaronic blessing in Gaelic – a very special moment.
Gaelic …… Read More
Wake Up Sleeping Giant (Stó:Lō Nation)
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Carry Me On (Hawaii) CD - Exciting news - Remastered version available NOW
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We Face into The Wind (Northumbria)
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Sing to the Well (Tanzania) CD & DVD - 100% sales to Tanzania
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3 VftN Postcards
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The Finer Things in Life (Kevin Prosch & Bryn Haworth)
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