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Bill Manhire with jazz pianist Norman Meehan and friends will perform in five New Zealand centres as part of Chamber Music New Zealand’s 2015 Encompass Series. The concert is presented by the Wanaka Concert Society Inc.

New Zealand’s inaugural poet laureate Bill Manhire, jazz pianist and composer Norman Meehan and vocalist Hannah Griffin have collaborated for a number of years, exploring the synergies of their respective practices. Their three compact disc releases (Buddhist Rain, Making Baby Float, and These Rough Notes) have embraced themes as diverse as children’s games, human presence on the Antarctic continent and the death of loved ones. Working in conjunction with esteemed Jazz based multi-instrumentalist they have achieved a unique rapprochement of words and music and enjoy a significant critical reputation in New Zealand / Aotearoa. ‘Poetry and Song’, aspects of the music are jazz-like, but it is also a little like modern chamber music including improvisation; and a little like the music of some singer-songwriters (perhaps Randy Newman or Joni Mitchell). 

The approach taken by Bill, Norman, Hannah and Blair has been one that seeks to marry the words and music as seamlessly as possible. Performances include readings of the poems by Bill, sometimes accompanied by an anecdote or brief explanation to illuminate the poem’s genesis followed by performances of the poems as songs. Hannah’s nuanced interpretation of these words is complemented by Blair’s obligatos and solos and as a trio (with Norman at the piano) the three make delicate music that draws from European jazz, from the folk traditions of Great Britain and New Zealand, and from popular song.   

For concerts taking place at the Lake Wanaka centre, ticket can be purchased from Gifted Design Store at 19 Helwick Street (P: 03 443 2035).  Cash sales only.

Location

Lake Wanaka Centre, 89 Ardmore St