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Ben Kemp: Papatu Road

Ben Kemp is a singer/songwriter/musician and poet, based in (and very influenced by) Japan. Not only has he lived there and absorbed much of the traditional art and culture, but he has taken inspiration from his Maori roots and - by osmosis - created something spectacular. The opening track, Azure, is a funky guitar/bass/drums/piano/flute affair that really wouldn't sound lost on a Ben Harper album. It's Kemp's vocals that are particularly reminiscent of Harper's - but that's where the comparison ends. With production, stunning bass playing and keys by Japanese artist Koyu Suzuki, 'Papatu Road' sounds unlike anything coming out of Aotearoa at present. And yet, it feels so natural from Ben Kemp and his support players, I'm surprised this kind of amalgamation hasn't occurred before. After all, Japanese and Maori traditions may descend from the same roots. Traditional Japanese instruments feature here alongside guitar, fretless bass, piano, drums and even didgeridoo on one track! Available from www.benkemp.co.nz

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