05 August 2022 - 0 Comments

Goldsmith Baynes are set to release latest single & video Hei Kawei i a Au, out Friday 5th August on Meow Jazz. The fourth single off their forthcoming debut album E Rere Rā (out 5 September 2022), it’s a touching contemporary jazz masterpiece that draws the listener in with enchanting piano from the accomplished pianist Mark Baynes, and embraces the beauty of Māori language through the captivating vocal of Allana Goldsmith.

The music video for Hei Kawei i a Au was shot entirely at the picturesque Te Henga (Bethells Beach) on the west coast of West Auckland, and perfectly complements the single with its beautiful location and majestic style.

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Allana Goldsmith speaks about the single: "Hei Kawe i a Au - is a waiata (song) about the wind, and it names the gentle breeze and the easterly spring wind. Mark wrote the music to this beautiful ballad and I wrote the lyrics. The title is taken from a whakataukī (proverb) in the waiata - “Mā te pākihiroa hei kawe i a ahau”, which means “Let me be carried by the easterly breeze”, suggesting not to be in a hurry, but to wait til the time and conditions are right. In the end there is a wish and hope for all restrictions to be lifted, to be free and cleansed by the wind."

An exciting new project created by the renowned jazz artists Allana Goldsmith and Mark Baynes with vocals containing a beautiful mix of Māori and English language, their debut single Tīpuna was released last year and featured on the Waiata Anthems 2021 compilation, which has since been followed by several more singles that make key contributions to the remarkable body of work that is their debut album E Rere Rā. A wonderful collaboration between two modern favourites of the jazz world, Goldsmith's soulful jazz vocal combines with British pianist Baynes' contemporary jazz stylings to produce this truly uplifting and remarkable record.

The album was performed as well as produced by Goldsmith and Baynes, with recording sessions including fellow musicians Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (drums), Alex Griffith (electric bass), Tom Dennison (bass), Riki Bennett (Taongo Puoro), Cameron Allen (saxophones), Jono Tan (trombone) and Mike Booth (trumpet and horn arrangement).

The Goldsmith Baynes project is a celebration between two musical souls. The talented pair have worked together for over 10 years and their musical bond comes from freedom, a shared trust, and mutual respect. Goldsmith and Baynes have written a stunning collection of songs together, which will culminate in a debut album to be released early this year.

Goldsmith Baynes have performed at renowned festivals including the Waiheke Jazz Festival and Tauranga International Jazz Festival, and have been programmed for the 2022 Auckland Arts Festival. They also were invited to perform at the recent Aotearoa Music Awards 2021 – watch performance here.

“Allana Goldsmith is a rare gem, the kind of artist one hears for the first time and is immediately captivated. In many ways she is reminiscent of the great singers of the past. What is not redolent of past singers, however, is her preparedness to tackle adventurous modern projects”.
– the Creative Jazz Club (2013).

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