Search - Oceania :: Oceania

Simply amazing

Veggiechiliqueen | 07/19/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From the first second of the first track I was drawn in. Oceania is overflowing with energy and respect for the old ways and uses traditional Maori instruments such as the pahu (drum), pukaea (trumpet), koauau (flute), and the putaatara (a conch shell played like a trumpet) and the Maori language. Each track was fresh and invigorating, offering something new with each listen. The voice of Hinewehi Mohi is otherworldly, perfectly suited to the haunting music of Jaz Coleman and Hirini Melbourne. The final result is a seamless blend of voices, instruments, and modern sounds as well. In the end Oceania seems more organic than electronic. Also touching are the two songs that were written for Hineraukatauri, Hine's daughter, who was born with cerebral palsy. The first, Hineraukatauri, is a beautiful ode to motherhood and its unconditional love. The second, Pepepe, was a poem written in English and then translated into Maori with beautiful results ("You are as fragile as the harmony in the laughter of a waterway/ the crystalline melody of your song/ we will wait for it to enchant us."). This is a unique, touching, spiritual CD that honours the past and holds bright hope for the future."

Breathtaking! Moving! A Brilliant Work!

mimisocks | South Florida, USA | 08/02/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From New Zealand, sung in Maori and using native Maori instruments,
but with a contemporary base. This is not Electronica. This is not New
Age put-you-to-sleep music. This is bliss. From the first track,
Pukaea (The Trumpet), we are transported to a forest where everything
speaks; the atmosphere is palpable; and angels sing. Kotahitanga
(Union) is a driving, sweeping call to action. You want to go through
the speakers and join the movement. Beautiful female lead harmonies
wave over the thundering musical engine as smoke over a raging
fire. Hautoa (Warrior) has gathered those harmonies after the frantic
call, now we assemble and assess. The singer, Hinewehi Mohi, reminds
me (on this song and the next especially) of Agnetha Fältskog. Think
ABBA meets Anonymous 4. Hineraukatauri (Goddess of Music) is more than
aptly titled; it is a visit to heaven. I defy anyone not to cry when
listening. He Tangata (People) is like a musical galloping stallion
and we are the proud riders. The harmonies delve even deeper, becoming
ethereal, like a medieval choir with nature as its cathedral in
Kihidihi (Cicada), the CD's sixth track. Haera Ra (Farewell) bears a
light sadness but that of a lullaby, as this melody could very well
serve. Still driven by the spirited undertow like an excited
heartbeat; the track also features an arresting violin. The disc's
eighth track, Pepepe (The Moth) is an utter delight. The instruments
blend into a kind of tropical train whistle with the vocals echoing
the lament and providing the steam. The undercurrent beats and
flutters much like the flying insect of its title. Tino
Rangatiratanga (Self-determination) continues the feel of the previous
tracks without sounding the same. It is, in fact, technically the
album's closing but evocative of a new start - a second wind, if
you will - therefore calmer, less frenetic in character. Tracks 10
and 11 are Beatmaster Mixes of Warrior and Union. I didn't think it
possible for dance-mixes to stand equal in quality to their originals,
but these do. Produced by Jaz Coleman, best known for his work with
Killing Joke, but for many years now has been the Composer in
Residence for the Auckland Philharmonic. From the liner notes:
"This is not a sampled album. It is a written album, we wrote it
and played all the instruments on it with the help of the best master
musicians of the Maori people. The music and traditions of New
Zealand's native people collides with the modern world...no journey
into the past...rather a confident exploration of future
possibilities." This work reflects the pure love its makers have
for their culture and exhibits near-perfection in musicianship. This
is one of the most excitingly beautiful albums I have ever had the
pleasure of listening to.

"

Sounds of home

Rizuj | United Arab Emirates | 12/18/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As an ex-pat New Zealander, this CD brought back wonderful memories of the harmonies of Maori music. This, blended with great New Age type rhythms, melodies and vocals, made for an incredible listening experience. Heartily recommended for all 'Deep Forest' and similar type music fans, and New Zealand ex-pats everywhere!"