In the folk tradition

Press, 8 March 1984, Page 18

In the folk tradition

MARTIN CURTIS “Gin And Raspberry” (Cityfolk CFROO4).

Every now and then a record lands on the desk completely unheralded. “Gin and Raspberry” is one of those records. This folk album, was recorded at Christchurch’s Nightshift studios, and Curtis had the help of “a number of fine musicians” as he puts it, including Eric McEachen and Paul Hutchings. “Gin And Raspberry” shows that the folk tradition in New Zealand is still growing. Curtis’ own compositions more than prove that as the album centres on Central Otago, particularly Cardrona. What I admire most about the album (besides the simplicity of the folk music) is that in it there is a

modern folk song, “Stop The River,” about the damming of the Clutha in the Cromwell Gorge, alongside “Jack’s Song (Five For A Bob),” which is about the reminiscences of a rabbiter after the introduction of 1080 poison and the possibility of the introduction of myxomatosis. Cardrona’s last old-timer and the Clutha dam track both involve progress and the effects it can have. Unfortunately, “Jack” died before he could hear Curtis’ song.

But there are also some humorous moments. John O’Brien’s bush poem, “Said Hanrahan,” sums up farmers and the weather, and Peter Cape’s “Talking Dog” is the equal of Footrot Flats. (Cape had New Zealand coursing through his veins, having penned the

country’s unofficial anthem, “She’ll Be Right”). Another of Curtis’ songs, “Gin and Raspberry,” is also developed from listening to tales, this time from the gold rush days in Central Otago. The album is also notable for using James K. Baxter’s “By The Dry Cardrona.”

Apparently “Gin And Raspberry” is already into its third pressing, and that is not surprising. A word-of-mouth recording this one, and I’ve been told it’s not available in the shops either. Those interested might write to Martin Curtis, Cardrona R.D. 1, Wanaka, or) Cityfolk Records, P.O. Box 919, Hastings.

— NEVIN TOPP.