Leon Wharekura Date March - Auckland Jazz Club

A definite contender to join the masters of traditional Māori musical showmanship singers such as Sir Howard Morrison, Billy T.James, Ricky May, Robbie Ratana and the Māori Volcanics, is Leon Wharekura, whose debut album It’s a love thing was released in July last year , with distribution by Ode Records (Cat.No: cdmanu5046).

The 12-track album containing a collection of classic, timeless love songs, three Te Reo tunes and one of his own compositions, was produced by Ernie Semu. The musical sounds of jazz, swing, strings Latin percussion combined with contemporary arrangements are a perfect complement to Leon Wharekura’s velvety tuneful tones. His laid-back stylish singing evokes the ballads of Stevie Wonder, the understated jazziness of Bobby Darren and the sultry sounds of Sergio Mendes and Brazil ’66. He is a master weaver bringing this eclectic repertoire together with sophistication.

Leon, even with his twenty years’ experience as an entertainer, has waited until now to record his first-ever album. “I wanted to wait until I was sure of what music direction I would like to take “ he says.