‘Maori Love Duets’

Te Ao Hou, June 1965, Page 59

‘Maori Love Duets’ by Kiri Te Kanawa and Hohepa Mutu Kiwi EA-7in 45 EP. ‘Maori Love Duets’ features some very ordinary little love ditties which have been firm favourites for years. Though they are essentially of this modern day in their form and notation, these are genuinely Maori songs, and are presented here in a dignified manner which enhances them immeasurably. The singers are Kiri Te Kawana and Hohepa (Joe) Mutu, neither of whom will need introduction to most readers. Joe Mutu has featured with distinction as a soloist on several records previously reviewed in this column. In their style they are somewhat reminiscent of the Ano Hato-Dean Waretini combination of yesteryear, though they have much more artistry ano polish. (And in saying this I do not wish to derogate Hato or Waretini, both of whom are firm favourites of mine.) Ashley Heenan's curiously tripping and hauntingly evocative orchestral backgrounds are quite perfect, for they are subordinate to the singing yet completely complement it. In one place however, the lilting syncopation of the orchestra seems to have made Mr Mutu a shade uncertain of his tempo. Of the songs presented, ‘Tahi Nei Taru Kino’ is my favourite. ‘Haere Mai e Hoa Ma’ makes a welcome appearance on record, I believe for the first time. The other tunes are ‘Hoki hoki’, ‘Hine e hine’ and ‘Matangi’. One other matter: I only wish that the record cover photographer had done as much justice to Miss Te Kanawa as did the cover of issue no. 49 of ‘Te Ao Hou’. It is to be hoped that before long Kiwi will bring out another recording featuring the Te Kanawa - Mutu - Heenan combination. This record should be a firm favourite.