Toitu Te Pūoro

Al Fraser

Toitu Te Pūoro is an original recorded work from Aotearoa/New Zealand, which was conceived, written, composed, produced, and performed by Al Fraser using ngā taonga pūoro (musical instruments of the New Zealand Māori) and voice.

All performances and all compositions by Al Fraser
Vocals on Hıkoi by Ariana Tikao

Recorded by Al Fraser at The Chicken Coop
Produced and mixed by Steve Garden and Al Fraser
Cover artwork © Tony Bridge ‘Introspection Coal Pit Dam, Maniototo’
Al’s portrait photos © Ben Woods
Nga taonga puoro photography © Tim Fraser
Nga taonga puoro were made by Al Fraser (alfraser.net)
Design by UnkleFranc
Printing by Studio Q

This album is dedicated to Shannan Makowharemahihi.

Thanks to:
Ruth Cunningham, Ariana Tikao, Rua McCallum, Te Ahukaramu Charles Royal, Noel Woods, Joe Sheehan, Tony Bridge, Kristin Smith, Arapeta Kamo, Rhian Sheehan, Bridget Douglas, Ed Davis, Neil Johnstone, Tim Fraser, Kaitiaki Roopu o Murihiku, Phil Boniface, David Long, James Webster, Horomona Horo, Steve Garden, Rangimaria Suddaby, Dudley Benson, Warren Warbrick, Steve Burridge, Tane Upjohn-Beatson, Lee Prebble, and Jeremy Mayall.

Special thanks to Reverend Maori Marsden for sharing his knowledge with us.

This project was made possible with support from Creative New Zealand.

Released: 14 November 2018
Catalogue: RAT-D086

Al Fraser

Al Fraser is one of the most critically acclaimed and prolific performers of nga taonga pūoro of his generation. He has collaborated on some of the most rigorously artistic, culturally diverse and significant projects in Aotearoa/New Zealand, notably with Dr Richard Nunns, Trinity Roots, Gillian Whitehead, and and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra. These projects span numerous genres, including jazz, experimental, ambient, and classical.

Toitu Te Pūoro is his fifth solo album, but he also has collaborated on projects such as Tahu, The Woolshed Sessions, Oro, Shearwater Drift and Ponguru. Working in collaboration with Steve Garden and releasing the album on Rattle ensured that the work reached its full potential, and to have a deserved place among the label’s catalogue of award-winning and critically acclaimed albums.