Records

Te Ao Hou, December 1962, Page 47

Records by Alan Armstrong Maori Action Songs: The Putiki Maori Club Kiwi M3D-1 7in. 45 E.P. Both records reviewed in this issue have been on sale for some time. They are presented by two of the best Maori groups in the country. ‘Maori Action Songs’ is an unpretentious little record which makes very pleasant listening. Because it was originally designed merely to illustrate a number of action songs featured in a book which was subsequently published, the record does not really show the versatility and brilliance of the Putiki group to the best advantage. But there is little fault to find in what is essentially a competent presentation of straight action songs. Understandably, they are refreshingly free of the jazzing-up which seems almost compulsory in many of the Maori discs which have appeared recently. ‘Kuarongorongo’ and ‘Te Ope Tuatahi’ have not been recorded for some years, and make a welcome appearance in this record. Songs of Enchantment: St. Joseph's Maori Girls' College Choir Viking VP52 12in 33 1/3 L.P. ‘Songs of Enchantment’ will similarly please any who purchase it. The technical quality of the recording is very good indeed, and this is matched by the clarity of diction and pleasing harmony of the performers. A numbers of old chestnuts such as ‘Po Atarau’ and ‘Pokarekare’ are given an airing along with several items which, as far as I know, have not previously been recorded, such as ‘Maranga Mai’, ‘Kumea’ and others. It is a shame, though, that on a record of such a generally high standard, there are some uneven patches. ‘Po Atarau’ for example gets away to a very shaky start and there is a tendency towards stridency in some of the items. ‘Karu’ would be greatly improved by a variation in volume and emphasis to achieve some light and shade. I do wish producers of records would realise that the reverse side of the cover can be put to better use than advertising other records. A few notes on the items are always appreciated, especially by European listeners, and, forgive my ignorance, but just where is St Joseph's Maori Girls' College?* St Joseph's Maori Girls' College is at Greenmeadows, near Napier.—Ed. The cover of course does not detract from a very satisfying record but buyers would feel they were getting greater value for their money if there were just a little bit more on the cover.