NZ Folk Song * Recording Maori Songs Songs

Capt. Alan Armstrong was the instructor of the Army Maori Concert Party in Malaysia, and co-author of Maori Action Songs, Maori Games and Hakas and several other similar books. He had a passion for bringing Maori culture to both urban Maori and to Pakeha audiences.

He made many reviews of Maori concert records in Te Ao Hou between 1959 -73, and these can now be read online. Those making new recordings may benefit from reading them. Here are a few quotes from his reviews.

1967
I strongly suspect that if many of the Maori cultural groups took the trouble before making a record to read what had been written about the forays of others into the recording field, there would be fewer mediocre Maori records on the market.

On Side 1 of 'Sing Maori Sing' the singing is very smooth and controlled - almost too controlled - and it is only in successive tracks that the group seems to warm to its job.... Apart from some slight slurring in the words of the first item the enunciation is good. Side 2, recorded live, has much more vitality but the applause, a considerable amount of which comes during the items, is a not inconsiderable distraction and mars the overall effect.

There is a ludicrous mistake. The title of 'Pa mai' is given as 'Toru Fa Pamai' presumably transcribed by someone hearing the group begin the item with '...toru, wha! Pa Mai...' More

In the poi items the sound of the poi comes through beautifully and the singing is controlled yet flowing.

One has the feeling that in this choir there are no passengers. More

1969

'E Pari Ra' disappoints a little. It is belted out rather mechanically and with none of the poignant harmonies which can highlight its theme of lamentation and farewell.

To begin with, the soloists seem too far away from the microphone while the guitar is often obtrusive. This is something which is easily corrected by microphone placement. More

No. 71, 1973
There is an increasing tendency for groups to perform 'pot-pourri' items which all too often consist of stringing together unrelated items without regard to meaning or mood. Thus He Toa Takitini have coupled 'Te Ope Tuatahi', a stirring song of the First Maori Battalion, with A.E.I.O.U., an entertaining song for teaching Pakeha audiences how to pronounce the Maori vowels.

This strikes me as the equivalent of connecting the Maori Battalion Marching Song with 'Mary Had a Little Lamb.' More

No. 72, 1973
'Songs of Maori Heroes' is undoubtedly one of the most important recordings of Maori music to be issued for some years and represents a major contribution in its field. It is the first record by one of the major Maori cultural groups in the country. Whilst many lesser groups have rushed to enshrine mediocrity on record. Ma-wai-hakona has waited for almost ten years before being recorded.

With this record is that it is possible for Maori and non-Maori alike to really savour the items, because included with it is a booklet giving the words and translations of the items. Thus it will be possible for other groups to learn these excellent compositions, and for students and other interested persons to read the Maori and compare it with the excellent English translations and to understand the imagery and allusions which are explained.

An exciting arrangement of 'Pokarekare,' sung for the love song which it really is, and not belted out strict tempo as so often happens... More

Alan Armstrong did have his critics.

To the Editor
Over the past years, though not always agreeing, I have appreciated the remarks of the record critic, Alan Armstrong. He has often shown a lack of musical background, but his desire to uphold the best in Maori culture I have never doubted.

However his criticism of the record Waiata Maori left me speechless. Some of the finest voices ever heard in New Zealand were on that record, with full marks to Inia te Wiata for his wonderful leadership... More

Record companies are still managing to mangle Maori CDs. Look at the label of this recent Jade Eru album.

"All music except track 1 traditional, arranged by Jon Mark.
4. I pare ra
6. Puti puti kāneihana e
8. Pō āta rau
9. Pō karekare ana"

Some effort could have been made to spell these song titles correctly.

Also it would have been courteous to acknowledge the composers.

4. E pari ra / Tomoana
6. Putiputi kāneihana e / Ngawai
8. Pō ātarau / Kaihau
9. Pōkarekare ana / Tomoana