Auckland Jazz & Blues Club Present: Whirimako Black

Whirimako Black and the The Matariki Jazz Band
Whirimako Black is New Zealand’s most acclaimed and prolific Maori language singer, with 6 solo albums to her credit and further guest appearances on 3 other album projects, all in the last 6 years. In 2001 her first album Hinepukohurangi: Shrouded in the Mist, was independently released on Muscle Music and won the Best Maori Language Album Award at the 2001 NZ Music Awards.

In 2004 her third album Tangihaku, became a finalist at the annual NZ Music Awards in 2004 and also won the Maioha Award at the 2004 APRA Silver Scroll Awards and a Te Waka Toi Award for her contributions to contemporary Maori music.

In the 2006 NEW YEARS HONOURS list, Whirimako Black received the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to Maori music.

“Whirimako Black Sings”, released in October 2007 featured a combination of standards performed in both te reo Maori and English has proved an instant hit, with standing ovations at both the TAURANGA and NELSON Jazz Festivals!

This album also won the 2008 NZ MUSIC AWARDS for BEST JAZZ ALBUM.

The Matariki Jazz Band features:
Pianist Kevin Field
Guitarist Dixon Nacey
Bassist Ben Turua
Trumpet/Flugel, Kim Patterson
and Drummer Haydes Wharewaka

Event listed by Pete McGregor

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