Electr-O-rganic Sessions – The Mamaku Project Tour
16 Jan, 9pm at the YOT Club, Bow St, Raglan 9pm
The Mamaku Project is on the road again, with an alluring new sound (and new compositions) inspired by the group’s musical encounters on a recent European Tour (June-August 2009).
Following a highly successful nationwide tour in 2009 (with Arts on Tour NZ) this colourful French/Kiwi collective brings its trademark theatrical musicality to venues up and down the country, beginning in Raglan on 16 January and ending in Wellington on 7 February 2010. (See full itinerary below)
In the ‘Electr-O-rganic Sessions’, the collective revamps its signature blend of French Chanson, Pacifika Dub and Middle Eastern Jazz with an injection of upbeat urban European electronica. “Wild flavours of French Cabaret flirt with the pulse of Electro-Oriental-Jazz. An intoxicating affair of multi-lingual noir poetry, conjuring Balkan dance floors, spliced with a sprinkling of circus…” Featuring The Mamaku Project co-founders Tui Mamaki (voice/machines) and Monsieur E. (keyboard/machines) with Simon Walker (drums), Finn Scholes (trumpet/keys) and special guest, Lyttelton’s talented Carmel Courtney (saxophones/trombone).
www.mamakuproject.com www.myspace.com/themamakuproject
RECORDINGS
Karekare 2007 Mal de Terre 2008
WHAT THE CRITICS SAY:
“Conjures up a nomadic past… exotic scales and jazzy improvisations are interwoven with familiar images of sand and sea in an impressive fusion, highlighted by Mamaki’s powerful, microtonal vocals.”
Nick Bollinger – The Sampler NZ 2007
“An impressive show, weaving a dense musical web of sounds including sultry and moody dub, mixed with quintessentially French and bohemian melodies, and even enchanting elements of the east…giving off a very theatrical exuberance…”
Luke Balzan – Rip it Up, Adelaide 2008
“A place where the musical styles and cultures merged… rhythms that challenge the feet to stay still with a hypnotic vocal presence…. free spirit… sensuous melodies. Loved the show!
Andrew Buchanan-Smart – Waikato Times NZ 2009
“Colourful music… highly talented musicians… in the foreground there is the exquisite voice of Tui Mamaki …exciting and courageous … you will always hear new nuances…” www.welt-musik.net – GERMANY 2009
THE PERFORMERS:
Tui Mamaki – VocalistBorn in France in 1980 into a bilingual family of troubadours, Tui was raised in Northland and the Pays Basque in the South of France. She has trained intensively in visual and performer arts, travelling through India, Morocco, Asia and Europe while following her musical/performance inspirations. Tui has worked as a singer, fire-dancer, director, actor, storyteller, session vocalist and voice/movement coach. Monsieur E. – Bass / Keys / MachinesMusician, composer, producer and instrumentalist (bass guitar, double bass, percussions, keyboards, guitar, voice and electronics) Monsieur Escargot arrived in New Zealand from Paris in 2000. In 2004 he returned to France and performed with Tui Mamaki at the Errobiko Festival of Itxasssou. This was the igniting spark for The Mamaku Project. Aside from musical performances, he has composed and performed improvised music for dance choreographers, live comedians and multi-media artists. Simon Walker- DrummerDrummer Simon Walker has a music degree with a performance major in jazz from the University of Auckland. He regularly performs and has recorded with top Auckland artists Kevin Haines, Rodger Manins, Caroline Moon and Kevin Fields. Finn Scholes – Trumpet A jazz performance graduate of the University of Auckland, Finn has toured with the Roger Fox Big Band, Dr Collossus and One Million Dollars, as well as The Mamaku Project.
Carmel Courtney – SaxophoneWith her inimitable saxophone style, vibrant improvisations and talents as a vocalist, Carmel Courtney has forged a musical career that has taken her across the globe, performing/recording with various groups inc NZ bands Hampster, The Jews Brothers Band, Sabor + DJ Max Maxwell.
Press Release: The Mamaku Project ‘The Electr-O-rganic Sessions’ – Touring with The Mamaku Project Jan/Feb 2010