Beryl Te Wiata presents Inia Te Wiata Recordings

MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
13 November 2007

‘Just call me Happy’ - Beryl Te Wiata presents recordings by Inia
Te Wiata

The National Library of New Zealand and Atoll Ltd will this month
release a commemorative CD of recordings by Inia Te Wiata, chosen by his
widow Beryl Te Wiata.

The 49 music tracks - several of which have never been released before
- are accompanied by a special DVD that adds a unique visual element to
the production. The DVD includes a documentary film showing Inia’s
parallel skills as a master carver along with a rare interview filmed
with Inia’s friend Spike Milligan. In the 40-page booklet of notes and
photographs, Beryl Te Wiata shares her personal memories and
impressions.

‘Of the many golden adjectives chosen to describe the bass-baritone
Inia Te Wiata, there is one that was perhaps a little less apparent at
the time, but which, with the passing years, has assumed considerably
more relevance - versatile,’ said music historian Peter Downes in his
introduction to the recordings.

‘Viewed in retrospect, the breadth of Inia’s repertoire is nothing
short of astounding. Extending across the musical spectrum, it embraces
classic and contemporary opera, lieder and ballads through to pop songs.
Broadway and West End musicals and concert recitals come in along the
way, with the whole interrupted now and then for acting in stage plays,
on radio, TV and films. And always, proudly, there are the beloved Māori
songs he learned as a small Ngāti Raukawa boy and treasured all his
life.’

The CD/DVD release will be available from 21 November in retail music
outlets throughout New Zealand. It can also be ordered online from
www.atollcd.com or www.sounz.org.nz/.

‘Just call me Happy’ is the ninth release in the series Treasures
in Sound He Puiaki Puoru, an ongoing series of remastered music of
historical significance held by the Alexander Turnbull Library.

ends

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