14 November 2007: Inia Te Wiata CD to be released

'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.

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