Emeralds And Greenstone
About Emeralds And Greenstone from Christchurch
Emeralds and Greenstone is a group of Christchurch musicians melding Maori and Celtic music in a real fusion of both cultures and musical traditions, with a modern twist. They have lyrics in English, Te Reo Maori, and occasionally Scots and Irish Gaelic with a blend of tasty musical accompaniment that is folk-jazz infused.
Initially driven by two traditionally-influenced singer/songwriters, Ariana Tikao and Laura Tomlin, the project was conceived with the aim of weaving together Celtic and Maori music through universal themes. Gathering about them some hand-picked musicians, the collaboration Emeralds & Greenstone was born with their inaugural show at the Christchurch International Jazz Festival in 2006. The band was honoured to be finalists in the RIANZ folk album of the year award for their self-titled debut album, Emeralds and Greenstone.
The band currently consists of Laura Tomlin (vocals, keyboard, flute, whistle), Ariana Tikao (vocals, taonga puoro), Argene Montgomery-Honger (bodhran, whistle, backing vocals), Jon Maxim Hooker (guitars), James Wilkinson (guitars, bass, backing vocals) and other special guests.
"a real musical gem...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.
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