EMERALDS & GREENSTONE: Emeralds & Greenstone

By Bing Turkby

This Maori-Celtic folk fusion group’s self-titled album is immaculately-presented. The four-piece blend taonga puoro with instruments like Irish whistle, wooden flute and bodhrán – member Argene Montgomey-Honger has even produced an instructional DVD for bodhrán, and judging by her expert rhythms here, it would be worth looking up. Combining traditional songs and tunes with their own material, E&G have a delicacy of touch that’s almost classical-sounding. More suited to a small attentive audience than a rowdy pub gig, some of the tracks are so feather-light and intricate you find yourself sitting still to catch every wisp. Music is an excellent meeting point for people, and this release proves that Celtic and Maori influences can meld together well. Because of this, I suspect the album will resonate with a lot of people from different backgrounds. Jon Hooker’s guitar playing which mixes together baroque sounds with Celtic styles underpins each song. Various percussion and wind instruments are added on top of this base, then seasoned with soulful vocals. The original compositions have a real Kiwi sound, twining together all the various influences on display. Callin’ All My Family has a great South Pacific vibe. Stitched To You evokes a misty forest in Northland, and has some tasteful keyboard and bass tones. It also mixes Maori lyrics with English. I can’t claim to be able to understand the Maori, but the English lyrics are pure poetry. The last track playfully tacks together Maori and Celtic chant – great stuff. •

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Issues

NZ Musician

April/May 2009