Christchurch folk fusion group Emeralds & Greenstone are about to release their much anticipated debut self-titled album. The event will be held at the iconic venue where they held their first mesmerising concert, during the 2006 Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival - effectively returning to their roots, which also underpins the kaupapa of their music.Christchurch folk fusion group Emeralds & Greenstone are about to release their much anticipated debut self-titled album. The event will be held at the iconic venue where they held their first mesmerising concert, during the 2006 Montana Christchurch International Jazz Festival - effectively returning to their roots, which also underpins the kaupapa of their music.Since their inaugural concert, they have performed at the Dunedin Celtic Arts Festival, played support for renowned Scottish singer-songwriter Dick Gaughan and stunned audiences at their sold out intimate concerts at the Harbour Light Theatre and other venues & festivals around Canterbury including Heritage Week, the Festival of Flowers and the Waipara Wine and Food Festival.

The group consists of Ariana Tikao (vocals, taoka puoro), Laura Tomlin (vocals, keyboard, wooden flute, Irish whistle), Argene Montgomery-Honger (bodhràn, Irish whistle, percussion, ukelele), and Jon Hooker (guitars, ukelele). Joining them as producer and additional musician for the Emeralds & Greenstone album launch is the legendary Christchurch musician James Wilkinson, along with an appearance by Christchurch Symphony percussionist Jeremy Thin. Performances by Ko Tane kapa haka group and the O'Neill School of Irish Dance will also feature.

The self-titled album was recorded at The Sitting Room, and Tandem Studios, and received funding support from Christchurch Creative Communities. It features songs from their repertoire that best reflect their exploration into their Maori and Celtic heritages, including compositions from all four band members together with some older songs and tunes which they have "dressed-up" and made their own.

"Ethereal in name, image and music, the band delivered a spellbinding re-working of traditional songs along with their own contemporary offerings... As a collective they ooze character, cross-cultural credentials, multi-lingualism and instrumentalism which bring their varied individual roots and heritage to life through colourful songs and tunes which transport, enthral and inspire."

"A real musical gem...music that I hope will make it onto CD...It was not only the quality of the vocals that stood out, but the quality and sensitivity of the songwriting with this Maori-Celtic mix..."
- Chris Griffith, Brisbane's The Courier Mail Online.

- Tom Harland, Scotland's The Garden Sessions

The Great Hall at the Arts Centre, Thursday 4th December 8 pm
"Back to their Roots"
Tickets $15/$12. Doorsales from 7.30 pm.
Pre-sales from Arts Centre Information, t. 366 0989
For further information and tickets contact:
M. 021 335 835 or emeraldsandgreenstone@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/emeraldsandgreenstone

Musicians: Laura Tomlin (vocals, keyboard, wooden flute, Irish whistle, glockenspiel, claves), Ariana Tikao (vocals, taoka puoro - traditional Maori instruments), Jon Hooker (acoustic & electric guitar, ukulele), Argene Montgomery-Honger (bodhràn, Irish whistle, percussion, ukelele)

With guests: James Wilkinson (acoustic & electric guitar, bass) and Jeremy Thin (vibes)
Produced by James Wilkinson
All arrangements by Emeralds & Greenstone

Emeralds & Greenstone

Emeralds & Greenstone (2008, Word of Mouth Records)

Track Listing:
1) Pupuhi Rau (Trad/Pitama) 2:18
2) Weave & Mend; Hi i'llean (Troupe/Cameron; Trad) 4:39
3) Across the Seas (Montgomery-Honger/Tomlin) 5:03
4) Being There (air) (Hooker/Tomlin/Wilkinson) 3:13
5) Stitched to You (Tikao) 4:26
6) The Fisherman's Lover (Tomlin) 4:19
7) Jimmy's Return (reel) (Traditional) 2:38
8) Callin' All My Family (Tomlin) 3:27
9) Niwareka (E&G version) (Tikao) 5:27
10)E Hine; Seinn O! (O'Regan; Traditional) 1:27

24/11/08