Nau Mai E Kā Hua

Two of New Zealand's most innovative contemporary musicians, singer-composer Ariana Tikao and multi-instrumentalist and producer Al Fraser have worked together on previous projects since 2008, but this is their first record as a duo. Both grew up in Te Waipounamu (New Zealand's South Island), and are now Wellington-based.

Of Kāi Tahu descent, the main southern iwi (tribe), Tikao has been a prominent Māori performer for many years, with three fine solo albums and several collaborative projects to her credit. In addition to her vocals, she and Fraser are both recognised as leading proponents of ngā taonga puoro – that intriguing collection of traditional Māori instruments that have experienced a strong revival in recent years thanks to three academic researcher-players and instrument makers – Richard Nunns, Brian Flintoff and the late Hirini Melbourne – all mentors of Tikao and Fraser. Courtesy of archival recordings, Melbourne even makes a posthumous appearance on ‘Amokura’. Tikao's vocals here, occasionally half-whispered, elsewhere beautifully bold, are immaculate throughout, with the translated Māori waiata (song) lyrics referencing blessings, grief, war cries, supernatural beings (patupaiarehe) and the environment. The duo's wide variety of nature-oriented taonga puoro sounds, whether skilfully blown or percussive, provide evocative context and organic perspective.