Fresh Talent: Inspector Ital

Peter Hill aka Inspector Ital, has just landed in Japan, but leaves behind a beautifully crafted jazzy-dub EP he called 'Come on Natty'.

While 'Come on Natty' had Hill in a producer role, he would rather be known as a musician and arranger. His musical background is as keyboard player and percussionist. He moonlights as a member of Dunedin dub outfit Zuvuya when they perform live.

Dub and jazz are both big influences. The jazz background he attributes to his father - a jazz musician, music teacher, and Hill's occasional jamming partner. And since spending time with Zuvuya his passion for dub has deepened.

He likes the spontaneity of the music the group plays: "In (rock) bands it can sometimes get a bit boring because you're playing the same ol', same ol'. Being in a group like Zuvuya there's a lot of room for the imagination as much of the set is improvised."

Likewise 'Come On Natty' has a fluid feel to it, as the music moves through jazz and dub with vocals are provided by Zuvaya frontman Peter Johnstone.

The EP was produced on Hill's Mad Professor-like home studio, something he was only able to set up in the past few years. "Ten years ago it was only for those who had money. Now anything that comes to mind, I can record it."

The chance to play with Jamaican kings Sly and Robbie in Auckland earlier this year was a never-to-be-forgotten experience.

"I bought a bass on the day of the gig and got them to sign it. If I couldn't play another gig ever again, I'd still be happy," quips Hill.

As for Japan - he has headed there because "dub is huge in Japan" and he plans to hook up with Japanese dub group Dry and Heavy. He also he hopes to help other Kiwi's get their music heard in Japan. Zuvuya, Cornerstone Roots and Laughing Gas are already on his list.

Hill plans to return to the New Zealand in summer to join Zuvuya on the festival circuit.