The Mamaku Project

The weather may have been a little cooler than usual for this time of year, but the temperature in SoCo Cargo certainly heated up when New Zealand’s The Mamaku Project took to the stage! This five-piece band put on a very impressive show, weaving a dense musical web of sounds including sultry and moody dub, mixed with quintessentially French and bohemian melodies, and even enchanting elements of the east. The band has really embraced the carnival atmosphere too, with their show giving off a very theatrical exuberance, complete with costumes and sideshow performance. Fat basslines and groovy horns set the pace, and the band’s jazz-meets-dub style is certainly a winner with this punter. Can’t wait ‘til they return!

Luke Balzan

The Mamaku Project performed at SoCo Cargo Club in The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide Sat 23rd February 2008 - RIP IT UP n971 (AUSTRALIA)

Looking like shipwrecked musical vagabonds washed up on the shore, The Mamaku Project filled SoCo Cargo with an unusual mix of sights and sounds. Five top-hatted New Zealand performers in boho seafaring garb, they entertained a small but appreciative audience with songs that revealed a broad range of influences, including French cabaret and gypsy music, and sounds of the Pacific and Middle East. Their sole female member and charismatic lead singer gave brief explanations of the story-based songs, well-supported by her colleagues on keyboards, drums, guitar and saxophone. Driving rhythms with percussive interludes and some theatricality would see the group slot nicely in to WomAdelaide.

Louise Nunn - The Advertiser

The Mamaku Project performed at SoCo Cargo Club in The Garden of Unearthly Delights, Adelaide Thurs 21st February 2008
- The Advertiser, Adelaide (AUS)

The Mamaku Project’s sound was unique as they blended Eastern European influences with French and those of Pacifica; a place where the musical styles and cultures merged. Their integrated blend included typical jazz solo breaks and an eclectic mix of rhythms that challenged the feet to stay still with a hypnotic vocal presence. Their music began to inhabit a unique form, from there it mutated with free spirit as a natural consequence of events into a new habitat; their music was the uncharted journey where one became totally intoxicated with the plethora of little solos in a variety of styles. Nomad could not be faltered with its sensuous melodies. Loved the show!

Reviewed by Andrew Buchanan-Smart
17th February 2008 - Waikato Times
- Waikato Times (NZ)

With beats from the Carib¬bean, melodies from the Middle East, lyrics in French and English and a line-up that takes in trombones, turn¬tables and accordion, the Mamaku Project’s Karekare conjures up a nomadic past. But its birthplace was Auckland’s West Coast, current home of the project’s central couple, singer/lyricist Tui Mamaki and bassist/producer Monsieur Escargot. And exotic scales and jazzy improvisations are interwoven with familiar images of sand and sea in an impressive fusion, highlighted by Mamaki’s powerful, microtonal vocals.

NICK BOLLINGER
Reviews "Karekare" by The Mamaku Project for THE LISTENER March 31st 2007
- The Listener (NZ)

French-Kiwi co-founders Monsieur Escargot and Tui Mamaki celebrate a range of song styles on this album, celebrating NZ’s tall native fern with the title of the group and in turn sprouting their own version of NZ song, taking Pacifica, dub/reggae and jazz styles with a distinctly cinematic weave. “Cirque” showcases the French element, with accordion pumping along behind a sizzling hi-hat and a boom-bap bass line. Mamaki’s vocals are highlighted, but the stellar cast of local musicians (Chris O’Connor, Manuel Bundy, John Ellis) creates exciting, original arrangements to house the tunes. A new national treasure.

Simon Sweetman – North & South
- North & South NZ

"...Over on the tiny Dell Stage, the organisers have underestimated the popularity of New Zealand act the Mamaku Project. Punters are climbing trees, clambering up banks and using the toilet steps as a grandstand to get a peek at the rootsy dub act, with a French twist..."

Scott Kara – NZ HERALD
- NZ Herald

Some of the best music I have ever heard! This concert was the culmination of the BOI Arts Festival programme and in true tradition it seems the best was left to last. Rarely have I seen so much talent and creativity in a group of musicians, no matter what genre. The core duo Tui Mamaki and Monsieur Escargot are responsible for the unique original compositions and brilliant arrangements that also include input from the rest of the band. A magical combination of prodigious talent including the formidable dexterity of Craig Denham on keyboard and accordion, the magnificent sounds created by John Ellis on saxophones and bass clarinet, the awesome technical skills of Finn Scholes on Trumpet and flugelhorn and the dynamic, sympathetic rhythms of drummer Simon Walker. Together with outstanding vocals from Tui – here is a singer who knows how to use her voice as an instrument – and keeping it all together on bass and keyboard Monsieur Escargot. This group is definitely one of a kind.

Mike Nettmann
ABOUT THE ARTS

The Mamaku Project performed at The Centre in Kerikeri, 24th March 2008
- The Northern Advocate (NZ)