The next Greytown Music Group concert is a little out of the ordinary. Norman Meehan is a renowned pianist, composer and author.
His music is primarily focused on settings of poetry, a project he pursues with vocalist Hannah Griffin and a range of collaborators: for this concert the music will be complemented by Blair Latham on sax, clarinet and bass clarinet. Expect to hear music that is often sweet and lyrical, atmospheric and meditative, with songs that take their lilting rhythm from the cadence of the written word.
Hannah and Norman have been working together for over 20 years and have come to enjoy an almost telepathic connection with each other. In these performances, piano and saxophone artfully support Hannah’s vocal renderings of poetry by a wide range of poets, including NZ greats such as Hone Tuwhare, James K. Baxter, Eileen Duggan, Bill Manhire, Alistair Te Ariki Campbell and Cilla McQueen. The Greytown concert will also include new songs – settings from “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” by Wallace Stevens. There will be more than a few bird songs winging their way into the programme.
Hannah Griffin trained as a jazz vocalist in Christchurch and Wellington. New Zealand Magazine said: “Hannah sings with such elegance and ease that you can’t help but listen to the often tender words. Her phrasing is superb and the balance between lyrics and performance is perfect”.
Expect to hear music that is often sweet and lyrical, atmospheric and meditative, with songs that take their lilting rhythm from the cadence of the written word.
Blair Latham is a composer and multi-instrumentalist from Wellington, with a special love for his bass clarinet. With remarkable instrumental technique, he can be found lending his talents to groups playing all sorts of music round the motu.
Norman Meehan has an undiminished love for the piano and has released fifteen albums as leader. He has published books on jazz and art music and taught for almost twenty years.
“A Field Guide to New Zealand Birds” and more: 4pm Sunday 21 June at 57 Wood Street, Greytown. Admission $30, $10 for children. For bookings contact Ed and Juliet Cooke, ph 06 304 9497 or efjacooke@gmail.com
