ing with Jack Davey. Both George and Phil played in Aucklander Ted Croad's band at the “Orange” dancehall.
Then came the war and Air Force service for the two elder boys. They were anxious to get overseas, but headquarters knew their entertainment value and kept them in New Zealand. But their chance came with the return on furlough of the talent-seeking Kiwi Concert Party. Phil and George arranged a transfer and, before they sailed, youngster Lew was in the party too. Together the three Maori boys entertained troops throughout the Middle East and Italy. A partnership which seemed destined for great heights was broken by a Nazi shell which fell during a concert in Northern Italy almost at the end of the war and killed Phil.
Saddened, but with valuable experience behind them, George and Lew returned to New Zealand —and to music. Lew has recorded, led the Auckland Radio Theatre Band, written arrangements and backs Barry Linehan's slick cabaret act at the Sapphire Room. He is passing on his musical knowledge and technique to other Aucklanders, Maori and European alike.
George plays in the Radio Theatre Band, has worked with numerous small groups, including the Wally Ransom quartet, with topline pianist Nancy Harri, and Samoan-born Mavis Rivers, now singing in America, as vocalist.
No-one has done more than Lew, now aged 34, and 37-year-old George to prove that in the world of modern music, the Maori is at least equal to the best. They base their success on a sound musical background, including an ability to play and appreciate classical music. They love traditional Maori songs, but seldom play them, except at the request of tourists. As George puts it: “It is wrong to play those songs with our particular type of combination.”
Mark Kahi, from Rawene, is widely recognised as one of New Zealand's top guitarists.
Mark Kahi expertly fingers the strings of his guitar in a modern jazz number.
Lew Campbell has made a big name in Auckland jazz circles as pianist, arranger and trumpet player.
He began playing at the age of 9 and by the age of 16, when he moved to Auckland, he had enough confidence and ability to attract attention. Performances with the Polynesian Club with Lou Mati's band were followed by work with broadcasting groups like the Four Aces, with Frank Gibson on drums, George Campbell on bass and Crombie Murdoch on piano. At the age of 32, Mark is now on the top rung.
Another Maori guitarist with remarkable talent is 21-year-old Lennie Hutchinson, who came to Auckland from Dargaville. He made such rapid progress, playing with the Campbells, the nationally-known John McKenzie trio and with Crombie Murdoch that he decided to try his fortune in Australia. He is now in regular night club work in Sydney. Lennie's personality and fine fingering technique should take him to the top there.
Bass player Bobby Ewing of Otahuhu is another Maori who cannot be ignored. A 37-year-old carpenter, he learned the piano, then the guitar (“in a sort of fashion”), but finally settled on string bass and decided wisely to make a serious study of music. The result has been guest artist appearances with the Radio Theatre Band, regular night club playing and broadcasting work with John MacKenzie and Nancy Harri.
No Auckland singer is creating more interest than a young carpenter called Kahu Pineaha,