Untitled

Te Ao Hou, September 1968, Page 62

Club's theme song during the time I heard them in Wellington. This is followed by ‘He Aha te Hau’ a poi chant composed by the Rev. Ihaka in the ancient style. It demonstrates his versatility as a composer who is as equally at home in the older idioms of Maori music as he is in the more modern style. ‘Hokihoki Tonu Mai’ is presented in the same style as ‘Pokarekare’—with discipline and precision and yet with feeling. ‘He Rau Aroha’ may put the listener to sleep. This is not because it is boring but because the manner of its presentation is so restful. The record contains several examples of religious music. The Maori version of the hymn ‘How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds’ (‘E Kino Koe’) contrasts with two mission songs ‘Ko Ihu ra te Ara’ and ‘Whakarongo’ on side 2. These latter are sung with great gusto whilst the former is given full choral presentation. ‘Taku Toa’ which opens side 2 is a composition by Ihaka. In the club's version the sound seems to ebb and swell like the tide. ‘Pupuhi Mai’, is another Ihaka work. It is also notable for a very tasteful guitar accompaniment and extremely good singing. As with every item on this record, it is characterised by clear enunciation of the words without the vague mumble in the background which so often denotes the Maori group with half-a-dozen passengers in the back row. Verdict: Easily the best Maori record to come out for some time.