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Suliveta Kurene (1959-1988) was a Church minister, husband and father with a great musical talent<br /><br />
The albums have great harmonies and great accompaniment from the Kurene brothers including drums, guitar,
keyboard and bass guitar. The songs are Samoan favourites and will be instantly recognisable by the Samoan
community. They are songs which Suliveta shared with those in his community and with those whom he loved.
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Suliveta Kurene (1959-1988) was a Church minister, husband and father with a great musical talent<br /><br />
The albums have great harmonies and great accompaniment from the Kurene brothers including drums, guitar,
keyboard and bass guitar. The songs are Samoan favourites and will be instantly recognisable by the Samoan
community. They are songs which Suliveta shared with those in his community and with those whom he loved.
<img src="
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Suliveta Kurene (1959-1988) was a Church minister, husband and father with a great musical talent<br /><br />
The albums have great harmonies and great accompaniment from the Kurene brothers including drums, guitar,
keyboard and bass guitar. The songs are Samoan favourites and will be instantly recognisable by the Samoan
community. They are songs which Suliveta shared with those in his community and with those whom he loved.
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It’s a Love thing is the debut release from Hamilton born Leon Wharekura. He began his career with a three year stint as
back up singer and soloist for the Billy T James Show Band. During this time he sang alongside his close friend Taisha who
also features on the album.
<br /><br />After a spell working in Sydney Leon returned to New Zealand where he sang in bands Special Edition, and Good
Company. This was followed by a spell in China, Perth, and numerous New Zealand projects.
<br /><br />It’s a Love thing features some well known covers such as Mum, made famous by Prince Tui Teka, alongside original tracks
by Leon Wharekura and the writing collaboration he shares with Ngamaru Raerino. The tracks are on the easy side of life
with great melodies from Leon. Think Michael Buble meets Jamie Cullam with Pacific roots.
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In ‘03, on her 22nd birthday, NZ singer-songwriter Renee-Louise Carafice was institutionalized at Auckland's Te Whetu Tawera with severe depression. As a means of coping in this challenging time, Carafice wrote an illustrated book of songs about her experiences, later referring to them as her “hospital songs”.
<br /><br />While in this difficult time in her life, she feared that her life was ruined to some extent by her institutionalization, having no knowledge of people who had come through the mental health system and gone on to lead fulfilling and good lives. Carafice developed a strong and unshakable vision of becoming that role model, to herself and to others, and to prove that she could not just survive mental illness but live a totally glorious life.
<br /><br />As soon as she was (barely!) able, Renee-Louise Carafice released these songs to the public, through live performances with her band Operation and through student radio. 95bFM featured her first single, Lorazopam on its Top Ten chart for 4 straight weeks, only 8 months after her hospital release.
<br /><br />Renee-Louise Carafice attempted to convey her experience of mental illness in a gentle, sometimes teasing, often touching musical format, which quickly saw the public reacting with fascination and support.
<br /><br />She toured NZ with US acts Crooked Fingers and Micah P Hinson, as well as opening for David Pajo.
<br /><br />In ‘05, Carafice won the Nescafe Big Break award for young people with vision, having submitted her music.
<br /><br />With her awarded money she recorded this, her solo album Renee-Louise Carafice: Tells You to Fight.
<br /><br />The album was recorded at Steve Albini’s legendary analog recording studio, Electrical Audio, in Chicago.
<br /><Br />Tells You To Fight was engineered by Nick Abbott (Crowded House, Goldenhorse, Pluto), produced by Ben King (Goldenhorse) and mastered at Skye Mastering in Scotland (Talk Talk, Madness).
<br /><br />In ‘06 Carafice moved to Chicago to pursue her music career amongst her musical heroes. Since her move, she has opened for extremely popular US acts such as Casiotone For The Painfully Alone and Xiu Xiu.
<br /><br />Though Renee-Louise Carafice is from the same musical family as Goldenhorse and Anika Moa, her music is intended, by nature, to challenge her audience in a kind way, to open their eyes.
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After 11 years of warming the hearts and minds of fans all around the globe with their sunny brand of reggae, Wellington's beloved Black Seeds roll out album number four. Having previously released records with Loop and EMI, 'Solid Ground' sees the band taking the independent route - releasing the album themselves.
'Solid Ground' is released on August 11 but we're making it available for pre-order now at a very special price of $24.95. Take advantage of this offer, as it will revert to full price on the day of release!
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Aonua is a musical collaboration from the South Pacific Islands comprising vocalist Taisha (famous NZ vocalist who has
recorded and performed with Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Boys To Men, and Smashing Pumpkins along with a huge amount of
local NZ performances and recordings) and composer /producer Malcolm Smith.
<br /><br />Aonua is the debut release from the collaboration. The music is an original blend of Polynesian instruments, vocals and
native wildlife, mixed with contemporary European sounds with the purpose of taking the listener away to a beautiful South
Pacific experience. The album was recorded within a native New Zealand forest.
<br /><br />Lyrically the tracks comprise of both Maori and English. Taisha is herself from Maori descent with her ancestory from the
Nga Puhi tribe.
<br /><br />Listening to this music has been described as spiritual and healing. You will be taken on an amazing journey of feelings and
emotions, to the idyllic island paradise of the South Pacific.
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Briar Ross, as a latecomer to the jazz scene is making a name for herself in New Zealand and Australia performing regularly
at Jazz Festivals and wineries as well as undertaking private and corporate work.
<br /><br />Fly me to the Moon is Jazz Vocalist Briar Ross’ fourth album. Her previous releases are 1997’s Just Do It, 1999’s Do It Again,
and 2002’s Surrender and Win.
<br /><br />Briars very distinctive voice has been described as a mixture of Blossom Derie, Julie London and others. She sings mostly
jazz standards and ballads in a smooth cruisey style.
<br /><br />The title track aside (ultra famous Jazz standard Fly me to the Moon) the album consists of little known works that are
favourites of Ross; a mixture of beautiful ballads and medium swing numbers.
<br /><br />The album features some very well known New Zealand jazz artists including Frank Gibson Jnr on drums, Julie Mason on
piano, Andy Brown on Bass, and Roger Manins on sax. The album is also partially dedicated to Andy Brown who sadly
passed away.
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Babylon Retreat features legendary Studio One Recordings Jamaican MC Ranking Joe toasting up a storm!
<br /><br />The track is only available on exclusive 7” vinyl - which features a wicked dub version on the flip side… big ups!!
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Welli 3-piece Thought Creature drop their hotly anticipated debut album Teleport Palace, on local Involve Records.
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Thought Creature are Will Rattray (guitar and vocals), Danny Brady (bass) and Peter Copeland (drums).
<br /><br />Following on from their self-released, self-titled EP released early ’07, Teleport Palace was recorded by the band over the last year in Welli at Hamish McKay Gallery, The Surgery and in Rattray’s room. Produced by Involve’s Bevan Smith (Signer, Skallander), Teleport Palace was also mixed by Smith, and mastered by Dale Cotton (HDU, Turbine).
<br /><br />Thought Creature have notched up dozens of shows in NZ and Aus since the beginning of ‘06 and have fast been gaining a fanbase with what has been described as a genre-defying style of guitar rock.
<br /><br />Their influences range from Syd Barrett, Bauhaus and Joy Division to Sonic Youth and Fugazi, as well as a range of contemporary bands, but their sound is unmistakably their own: bass-driven, psychedelic, post punk, swamp funk.
<br /><br />The lads have been touring up a storm recently, with a nationwide tour and a host of functions for the cool kids!
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Ahi features 6 works for Piano Trio from 5 New Zealand composers including 2007’s Classical Album of the Year Award
winner John Psathas.
<br /><br />The works are very accessible and diverse featuring dances, lullabies, environmental sounds, and digital effects. They are
contemporary New Zealand compositions with great depth.
<br /><br />The Ogen Trio was formed in 1996 by three of New Zealand’s leading musicians, pianist Katherine Austin, violinist Dimitri
Atanassov, and cellist James Tennant. They have undertaken national tours under the auspices of chamber Music NZ, and
appeared at all the leading NZ Chamber Music Festivals.
<br /><br />The Trio continues to develop its programming beyond the classical repertoire into contemporary works, and into expanded
instrumental combinations, as heard in two of the compositions on this disc.
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New Zealand-born singer Anna Rugis gained a broad range of professional experience through her career as a session
musician in New Zealand and the UK and has toured with artists such as Cat Stevens, the Kinks, and Van Morrison.
<br /><br />Cave Songs is Anna’s second album. It is a series of seven poems set over, and weaving through, seven different chants. The
poetry follows and describes the development of individuality from before birth to after death.
<br /><br />There are eight other songs included in this unusual and strangely beautiful collection all of which display a startling
originality both lyrically and compositionally. The production is elegant and sonically impeccable. Layers of intricate vocal
harmony play across a clean simple background, setting Rugis' enchanting vocals with grace and precision.
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Tahu combimes Taonga Puoro (Maori Musical
instruments) with waiata and classical guitar to create a
unique combination of Ancient voices and comtempory
music soundscapes.
<br /><br />The Wellington-based trio consist of Taonga Puoro
practitioners Henare Walmsley and Alistair Fraser, and
classical guitarist and composer Michael Hogan.
<br /><br />The group has already been tauted to pick up the mantle
laid down by the legendary Hrini Melbourne and Richard
Nunns.
<br /><br />The stunning self-titled debut album, Tahu, mixes Maori musical
instruments with classical guitar.
<br /><br />Tahu began work on the album during last year’s Matariki (Maori New Year)
celebrations. After a year’s gestation, the result is simply beautiful.
<br /><br />The album skilfully layers the haunting amd almost melancholic tones of
Taonga Puoro with the light and joyful notes of the classical guitar - taking
the listener on a journey through the ancient aural landscape of Aotearoa.
<br /><br />The group’s unique blend of improvisation and composition also features
contemporary and traditional Maori patere (chants), Waiata (songs), and
karakia (prayers), which flow seamlessly over the music.
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Lathe cut clear polycarbonate by Peter King.<br /><br />
Due to the low fidelity of Lathe Cutting, Directions to download Free High Resolution MP3's are included with the EP.
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Six Acoustic Renditions with traffic noise, mistakes,and an out-of-tune piano.<br />
Recorded in one sitting, January 2008.
Beautiful hand constructed packaging!<br />
CD-R
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Best known for her work with Rhian Sheehan, Module and the Upbeats, Chambers’ is no stranger to the scene, with her single Hiding Place from Sheehan’s 2nd album Tiny Blue Biosphere reaching #1 on the bNet radio charts in ’04; her songs and vocals have been remixed by the likes of Minuit and Antix; and she has appeared on Berlin’s Love Parade compilation - one of the highest selling dance compiles worldwide in ’06. This though, is something different from her…
<br /> <br />In a move away from her previous electronic-based work, Chambers has returned to her roots, recording her debut solo album with the Firefly Orchestra, a group featuring many of NZ's finest players: Sam F. Scott (Phoenix Foundation), Rio Hemopo (Trinity Roots), Tessa Rain (Fly My Pretties), Andy Hummel, Rob Hinkley (Good Laika) and more.
The orchestra was brought together, conducted by and named after producer and virtuoso guitarist Justin “Firefly” Clarke (Fat Freddy’s Drop, Age Pryor, Sheba Williams), who recently returned to NZ after 8yrs living in Berlin.
<br /><br />This predominantly acoustic and entirely gorgeous album was recorded in just 8 days, under the masterful ears and hands of Dr. Lee Prebble (Trinity Roots, Phoenix Foundation, Black Seeds and so many more!).
<br /><br />And The Firefly Orchestra features delicate strings, lush guitars and multiple backing vocals, and in the vein of Gillian Welch, Beth Gibbons (Portishead) and Joni Mitchell, the predominant sound is lyrical, folksy, and poignant.
<br /><br />Earlier this year, Jess Chambers and the Firefly Orchestra gave 2 stunning performances at NZ's WOMAD festival where they enjoyed a standing ovation from a packed house. There’s plenty more where that came from…
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We’re absolutely delighted to present Mashed, a live album from one of NZ’s most influential bands, The Clean!
<br /><br />Featuring cuts from the band’s March ’07 Bangers & Mash Tour with several thousand keen “Cleaners” in attendance, Mashed captures all the triumphant madness - so whether we were there or not, we can all enjoy David Kilgour’s reverberant guitar echoing above the furious and distinctive rhythm section of brother Hamish and bassist Bob Scott.
<br /><br />Mashed was recorded and mixed by Tex Houston, and features classics like Point That Thing and Anything Could Happen, along with a brand new song and even a cover of the Lou Reed track I Can’t Stand It!
<br /><br />The brilliant cover artwork for Mashed is provided by none other than Hamish Kilgour.
<br /><br />One of Dunedin’s more influential first-wave punk bands, The Clean formed in ’78, carving out a unique, noisy but melodic sound with the line up of David Kilgour (vocals, guitar), Hamish Kilgour (drums) and Bob Scott (bass, organ).
<br /><br />In ‘81, a fan of The Clean founded the Flying Nun label to release their first single, Tally Ho. In the early ‘80s the band released 2 EPs and two singles: Tally Ho, Boodle Boodle Boodle and Great Sounds all charted in the top 20 in NZ.
<br /><br />Since the late ‘80s the band has occasionally reformed and recorded new material, releasing 3 more LPs on Flying Nun in NZ and Merge Records in the USA. The Vehicle LP was engineered by Alan Moulder (later to produce The Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails and My Bloody Valentine) and released in Europe and the USA by Rough Trade.
<br /><br />In ‘97 a Clean Tribute album called God Save The Clean was released featuring international artists such as Guided By Voices, Barbra Manning, Calexico and Pavement. In ‘02 a 2CD Anthology was released by Flying Nun and Merge.
<br /><br />In ‘08 The Clean played a series of sold out shows in New York and other US cities, played at the NZ Big Day Out - and are now putting the finishing touches on their new studio album, to be released later this year, also on Arch Hill!
<br /><br />Revered in NZ, their influence is far-reaching: they were a staple of ‘80s US college radio, Stephen Malkmus (Pavement) cites them as a major influence and their droney ‘80s output is a direct forerunner of bands like Yo La Tengo.
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Shine On is the new album from the Windy City Strugglers featuring more great original tunes and playing from Bill Lake,
Ross Burge, Nick Bollinger, Andrew Delahunty, and Steve Jessup. The album comes as the band celebrate their 40th
anniversary later in the year.<br /><br />Shine On follows 2004’s Kingfisher and 2001’s Snow On The Desert Road with a fresh collection of original songs that
give a uniquely Antipodean twist to the blues and folk styles on which the group was founded.
<br /><br />While never straying completely from the Strugglers’ roots, Shine On looks outward to encompass deep soul, bluegrass,
Beatle-esque melody… even a tinge of Parisian swing. The album also unveils a number of previously unrecorded songs that
have long been staples of the Strugglers’ live show, along with hitherto unheard material.
<br /><br />As ever, the bulk of the material was written by singer, guitarist and Strugglers’ founder Bill Lake and songwriting partner
Arthur Baysting, with several contributions from vocalist Rick Bryant.
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Gospel Music of Samoa is the latest release on Ode from a member of the famous Kurene Family. This time it’s Fereti
Kurene.
<br /><br />The Kurene Family are synonymous with Samoan music. Fereti’s brother Suliveta and the Brothers released a selection of
titles on the Ode label in the 80’s that were hugely popular in NZ and the Islands. Due to this success the Kurene name has
become very well known.
<br /><br />On this latest CD Fereti offers a selection of original Gospel Music from Samoa written between the mid-90’s and 2005.
Included is the track The Blood will never lose it’s power by Andrae Crouch, the Samoan version was written by bro
Samoa & Sister Tessie of GreyLynn Samoan Assembly of God.
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A new double album, a scorching new single, live shows & even secret shows… Coco
Solid strikes back with the release of her double-album The Radical Bad Attack.
<br /><br />Coco Solid is set to bomb her cult international fan-base with the latest grandconcept
album. Mixing psychedelic raps, 80's electro, booty-bass, dancehall, grime,
punk and experimental noize, Coco is joined by over a dozen eclectic artists and flexes
her musical muscle over 21 tracks.
<br /><br />The first disc (SEX) is dedicated to the dance floor with the second (SCIENCE)
showcasing more experimental sounds.
<br /><br />The album features both underground and established names. The usual line up
includes Erik Ultimate, DJ Han Baby and long-time punk producer ALC5, as well as
some new recruits: Ex-Coolie Melissa West, The Grafitti Girls, Kidz With Guns,
Flowsion, Agent Ali and DJ Exile all feature alongside producers DJ Jizmatron,
Extravagangsta, Sam Moore and Alan Holt.
<br /><br />The futuristic single ‘Electric Love’ reunites the award-winning team behind the Bnet
hit ‘Crime Fighters’. With eternal partner in rhyme, Erik Ultimate and
local producer (& Hungry Eyes member) DJ Jizmatron, they have pulled out
another pioneering track... with an overwhelming music-video to match.
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Phony Bone are Auckland’s premier young adult contemporary recording artists. Over
the past two years they have gigged extensively (from Auckland to Dunedin, from
video game stores to knitting cicrles), released an EP themselves, had two songs on all
kinds of bnet rotations (‘Babydoll’ and ‘Modern Day Tragedy’) and written enough
songs to give Stephen Merritt a run for his money.
<br /><br />Their two song-writers operate from either side of the sam line, one generally within
his head and one almost always without, while the band’s upbeat indie-popping meets
them somewhere in between.
<br /><br />In September 2007 they completed their first full-length tour of this fair country, to
much decidedly non-critical acclaim and vigorous bodily movements. Produced by Bob
Frisbee in the underground bunker of engineer Damian Golfinopolous, their
second EP - Big Ideas - and its five tracks will rock your musical boat, wherever you
happen to live.
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Music 4 Maui’s is an exciting venture that unites a love for NZ music with caring for our native dolphins.
<br /><br />Founded by Gemma McGrath in ’07 in response to NZ’s most endangered species, the Maui dolphin, being on the brink of extinction (we’ve only 100 or so alive!), Music 4 Maui’s will draw attention to this tragic situation, which is mainly due to recreational and commercial set netting and trawling in our inshore shallow waters - Maui and Hector habitat.
<br /><br />Maui and Hector’s don’t move far from their local stretches of coast and never go beyond 100m deep. They are as unique to NZ as the kiwi, ancient wisdom connects their wellbeing to ours and they need us now, more than ever!
<br /><br />Music 4 Maui’s is the 1st in an intended series of music compilations, and all of the artists involved - The Black Seeds, Don McGlashan, Pitch Black, Fur Patrol, Minuit, Sola Rosa, Gasoline Cowboy, The Bads, Flip Grater, Ragamuffin Children and Ariana Tikao - have given their tracks for free in an effort to aid Gemma promote the plight of the dolphins
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Kolab are a 3-piece hip hop group - J Brown aka James Brown (producer/turntablist), Scottie B. aka Scott Bibby (producer/vocals) and Speak Easy aka Tom Everett (vocals) - hailing from AK who have been treading the boards with their conscious jazz inspired hip hop with a twist of funk since their inception in ‘04.
The group’s musical influences include the likes of De La Soul, Common, A Tribe Called Quest, J Dilla, The Pharcyde and Outkast, and the group thrive on live performance, having held down regular party-rockin’ nights at Rakinos, performed at Rhythm & Vines and events for DC Shoes and at the Air NZ Fashion Week after party, as well as alongside British rapper TY and locals like Opensouls, Katchafire and The Kingites.
As well as their constant stream of live shows, Kolab released their debut EP, The Things To Come, back in ’06 and have released 6 radio singles through the bNet - with 5 reaching the Top 10 and 3 hitting the #1 spot on bFM!
What Comes Next? is their debut album and was recorded and produced with Mikey Rockwell at the controls.
<br /><br />Kolab’s sound could best be described as positive urban/hip hop, with an incredibly tasty fusion of jazz and hip hop.
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The Nomad aka Daimon Schwalger has taken the road less-travelled in search of the good groove.
<br /><br />The internationally-renowned DJ/producer has crafted a significant and successful career for more than 10yrs both behind the decks and in control of his production studio, having released 5 albums to date - with a 6th due later in ‘08.
<br /><br />The Nomad celebrates 10yrs since the release of his first album Movement, with Selected Works, an album of favourite originals, remixes and a swag of new tracks - including firm bNet favourite Breaking Rocks, remixed!
<br /><br />Selected Works draws on all of his albums since that debut: Quinessence, Step Forth, Level 3 and Second Selection, as well as the rare-as-hens-teeth Concentrated EP.
<br /><br />Selected Works features an array of luminaries including The Mad Professor, Farda P (Rockers Hi Fi), Luciano, King Kapisi, Barnaby Weir (Black Seeds), Lisa Tomlins (Rhombus), Oakley ‘O.G.’ Grenell, Tehi Mana (Fat Freddy’s Drop), Otis Chamberlain, MC Kyla, Moana Ete, Chris Yeabsley (Twinset) and more - and remixes by Agent Alvin and Subtropic!
<br /><br />Beginning in ‘93 in Dunedin, Schwalger has turned a passion for new music into a profession that has seen him DJ sell-out crowds around the world. In addition, Schwalger runs record label Fresh Produce, equipped with his own music studio, and teaches music production to the next generation of NZ’s musicians and producers.
<br /><br />The Nomad’s first album Movement (1998) caught the attention of British dance music pioneers Rockers Hi Fi to begin a partnership that spanned subsequent releases - such as Farda P’s appearance on The Nomad’s acclaimed 2nd album Second Selection (1999), which was awarded “Best Dub/Hip Hop/Reggae Release” at the bNet Music Awards.
<br /><br />The acclaimed Level 3 (2001) broadened The Nomad’s appeal, with singles featuring Tiki Taane, MC Antsman (Rhombus) and Barnaby Weir (Black Seeds); while Step Forth (2003) saw him go international, with The Mad Professor, former Wham! singer Pepsi Demacque and Brazilian chanteuse Alda Rezende.
<br /><br />Quinessence saw Daimon break into the Aus and UK markets, with an album featuring Rio Hemopo (Trinity Roots) and Imon Star (Rhombus/Olmecha Supreme) alongside now regulars like OG, Tehi Mana, Pepsi Demacque and more.
<br /><br />Album #6 for The Nomad is set for release later in ‘08, marking another junction in this man’s remarkable journey
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Suliveta Kurene (1959-1988) was a Church minister, husband and father with a great musical talent<br /><br />
The albums have great harmonies and great accompaniment from the Kurene brothers including drums, guitar,
keyboard and bass guitar. The songs are Samoan favourites and will be instantly recognisable by the Samoan
community. They are songs which Suliveta shared with those in his community and with those whom he loved.