22 August 2011 - 0 Comments

ODE RECORDS PROUDLY PRESENTS
WHIRIMAKO BLACK's NEW ALBUM – ‘THE LATE NIGHT PLAYS’
RELEASED ON ODE RECORDS – OCTOBER 3rd, 2011

Whirimako Black makes her eagerly awaited return with the release of a new album that is reminiscent of the greatest ladies of soul - Dinah Washington, Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald.  Sultry glamour delivered with poise and grace in the beautifully packaged album -The Late Night Playsis released through Ode Records on the 3rd of October 2011. 

Best known for her albums sung in Te Reo Maori, Whirimako Black explores new territory on The Late Night Plays with full English renditions of some her favourite songs from the twentieth century. The track selection will be familiar to most with songs made famous by U2, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, Billie Holliday, Etta James and Leonard Cohen. Whirimako's velvet delivery of each ensures a consistency throughout the album and a uniqueness that makes you forget the songs aren't hers.

The Late Night Plays was produced by Whirimako and long-time collaborator Russel Walder.  Russel, known for his own performance career, his compositions and associations with prestigious label Windham Hill, helped assemble a top raft of players including Michael Chaves (Guitarist for Sarah McLaughlin), Aron Ottignon (Parisian based Pianist), Kim Paterson (known as "New Zealand's own Miles Davis") and Jonathan Zwartz (and his 100 year old bass).

The Late Night Plays was recorded during live sessions at Auckland's Roundhead Studios where Whirimako turned back to a time when performers sang live with their band and had only a few days rehearsal. The energy around the making of The Late Night Plays was a creative whirlwind, harnessing the creativity of all concerned. There are no overdubs on the live sessions. 

Whirimako Black will be playing shows in the coming months to showcase The Late Night Plays. An announcement will be made in the coming weeks of dates and venues.   The album tracklist is: 

1.   When Did You Leave Heaven   
2.   Lover Man
3.   At Last
4.   On & On
5.   Dance Me To The End Of Love 
6.   Love Is Blindness
7.   Both Sides Now
8.   Simply Beautiful
9.   Fragile
10. My One and Only Love
11. Run The Voodoo Down 
12. If It's Magic

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