Ngati Poneke

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 62

Ngati Poneke HMV CSDM 6249 12 in. 33⅓ LP This is Ngati Poneke's second record in three years (See Te Ao Hou No. 52 of September 1965 for a review of their earlier disc). Collectors of Maori music had to wait almost thirty years to obtain a commercial recording of this famous club which enjoys the distinction of being the oldest Maori cultural group still in existence. This second record contains some of Ngati Poneke's best known tunes which were not on the earlier disc, as well as some old favourites such as ‘Putiputi Pai’ and ‘E Pari Ra’. The singing is very good, although it lacks the precision and the technical excellence of the Anglican Club record. Side 1 starts with a rather insipid little entrance song. This is followed by an attractive version of ‘Putiputi Pai’ which is mercifully free of the corruption of the words one hears all too often when groups perform this Ngata classic. Ngati Poneke's version of ‘Hine e Hine’ invites comparison with the Anglican's ‘Pokarekare’. Both are presented with tenderness and feeling for the true meaning of the song. The solo singing is better in the former and the choral singing in the latter. Both are slightly marred by the fact that notes at the end of lines are not sufficiently sustained. Why is it, one wonders, that this lack of good breath control is characteristic of so much Maori singing? Bill Kerekere, one of the Club's Vice-Presidents, will need no introduction to most readers as a noted composer of Maori music. Ngati Poneke performs an item which he wrote specially for them, ‘Ko taku Whakapapa’. Ngati Poneke's version of ‘Titi Torea’ is to an unfamiliar tune and a rather dreary one at that. The noise of the sticks, however, gives interest to the item. Side 2 begins with three well known peruperu ‘Uhi Mai’, ‘Koia Ano’ and ‘Kume-kumea’. There are not many recordings of peruperu and another is always welcome. Tribute is paid to Kingi Tahiwi, one of the club's founders, by the inclusion of one of his best-loved songs ‘Mapu Kau’. The singing, however, is nothing out of the ordinary. Side 2 finishes with three spirited action songs, a field in which Ngati Poneke have always excelled. The cover photograph is attractive and appealing but there are several spelling errors in the description of the items and the action song ‘Whakarongo Mai’ is described for some reason as a haka taparahi! Verdict: A competently performed and varied selection.