RECORDS reviewed by Alan Armstrong

MAORI Hannah Tatana, mezzo contralto, with Dave Tatana, guitar. Viking VP-173 12in 33½ LP Pride of place in this review goes to a delightful recording by Viking which features Hannah Tatana singing a selection of popular Maori songs. Miss Tatana has been somewhat over-shadowed in recent years by the meteoric rise to fame of Kiri Te Kanawa. This is a pity, for Miss Tatana is a fine singer with a notable record of success in national competitions in this country and in Australia. She has also had a number of professional appearances with the NZBC Symphony and Concert Orchestras as well as having made extensive recital tours throughout New Zealand. Her theatrical experience includes chorus work in several productions, understudy and alternate to the principal soloist in the NZ Opera Company's production of Carmen and the principal roles in Vaughan William's The Poisoned Kiss and the Opera Company's recent Porgy and Bess. In this record Miss Tatana sings with appealing simplicity many of the vintage songs of Maoridom and several Sam Freedman numbers. There is no striving for effect or sophisticated arrangements. Some of the songs have been double recorded so that Miss Tatana sings duets with herself. The purist may deprecate such fakery but the effect is pleasing and the result is a further demonstration of the range and versatility of Hannah Tatana's voice. The review would not be complete without a few words of commendation for the guitar accompaniments by Miss Tatana's brother. Dave. Each accompaniment is a gem in itself. The record should be required listening for all aspiring players of guitar accompaniments. Dave Tatana's playing produces a wonderful fusion of voice and guitar with each being completely complimentary to the other.

A BRILLIANT NEW KIWI RECORD: Inia Te Wiata's Festival of Maori Songs WAIATA MAORI Inia Te Wiata, famous New Zealand bass, and the Maori Chorus of the New Zealand Opera Company set a new high standard for the performance of Maori songs in this magnificently-sung, splendidly-recorded selection, including: Hokihoki Tonu Mai Pokarekare Ana Te Arawa E E Nohi E Koroki Toia Mai Te Waka Uia Mai Koia Pakia Kia Rite Haere Ra E Hoa Ma E Rere Ra Te Matangi Karu Karu He Puru Tai Tama E Rere Taku Poi Haere Ra E Hine Me He Manu Rere Tahi Nei Taru Kino Aue Te Iwi E E Pari Ra etc. etc. Featuring also Isobel Cowan (soprano), Joshua Gardiner (tenor); with Peter Cowan (guitar) and Robin Ruakere (ukulele). LC-33 (mono) SLC.004 (stereo) Price 39/6 ea. KIWI RECORDS The Music and the Voices of New Zealand A. H. & A. W. Reed, Wellington, Auckland, Sydney.