RAPID RISE AS SINGER

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31781, 11 September 1968, Page 8

RAPID RISE AS SINGER

Rangiora Girl Makes Record

Since she won a talent quest In the Ranglora Town Hall just two years ago, Miss Vai Elliott backed by her ••Rhythm Ramblers.” has made quite remarkable advances in the Country and Western music field.

An accomplished musician in a musical family. Miss Elliott has always liked country music, and long ago gave up her practical piano lessons in favour of this style of music.

After her success In the Rangiora talent quest in 1966, she toured parts of the South Island as a feature artist on the Clarrie Light Show and broadcast over Station 3ZB with the "Rhythm Ramblers." Since then she has played concerts and floor shows ’in Canterbury, and her appearance on the ‘‘Country Touch” television show won her many fans throughout New Zealand. Her love of country music is reflected in the sincerity and simplicity of her singing, and she has been described as being in the same class as John Hore and Maria Dallas.

Miss Elliott and her group have reached a new height with the imminent release of what is believed to be the first Country and Western stereo long playing record produced in New Zealand. It has been made by H.M.V.

This new recording has been described as "quite magnificent," and possibly the best Country music disc to have been produced in New Zealand. Five thousand have been cut on the first run.

Miss Elliott who appeared In a show in the Ranglora Town Hall last evening was presented with the first-cut record bv the Mayor (Mr L. E. Farr). Mr S Furlong, Christchurch manager of the recording firm, was also present.