
Toni Huata Mauri To: Everlasting Force
By Tony Parker
Mauri T¯o is an album that evolved from Toni Huata's desire to develop songs written by her late grandfather Te Okanga Huata. Together with producer Maaka McGregor, Huata has used these songs, and some of her own, to fashion an album that can be as traditional as the Polynesian rhythms that permeate throughout yet also embrace modern dance beats and sounds as well as Middle Eastern and Latin influences. Conventional Maori and Pacific Island instrumentation sits easily alongside digital technology to create a unique sound that is further enhanced by the organic sounds of poi, birdsong and body percussion while above it all floats Huata's stunning vocals. Sung completely in te reo the songs proudly celebrate a Pacific connection as well as a positive focus on family, friendship and the close relationship with the land. This combined with enhance CD features like music videos, photo gallery and smart packaging makes Mauri T¯o a class package and well worth checking out.
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