Pacific Curls

These three strong female musician steeped in Maori and Pacific traditions bring a delightful contemporary perspective to their music, proving (as it’s needed to be) that the Indigenous music of our neighbourhood is healthy and bourgeoning. The harmonies on this recording are delightful, as is the virtuoso ukulele playing of Kim Halliday. The instrumental tracks Flukey Ukey is inspired. Songs are in Maori and English, including the beautiful Purea Nei by the late Hirini Melbourne. One can almost feel his spirit departing on the wings of his own lament, such is the rendition given by this trio. Not that this is a sad album by any measure - it swings! And it’s all done with ukulele, guitar and a myriad of percussion from cajon to high-hat. The pacific flavour is reinforced by an ode to sister island Rotuma, a remote Polynesian part of Fiji that Halliday strongly identifies with.
All in all a rewarding listen. - NZ Musician Magazine

These three strong female musician steeped in Maori and Pacific traditions bring a delightful contemporary perspective to their music, proving (as it’s needed to be) that the Indigenous music of our neighbourhood is healthy and bourgeoning. The harmonies on this recording are delightful, as is the virtuoso ukulele playing of Kim Halliday. The instrumental tracks Flukey Ukey is inspired. Songs are in Maori and English, including the beautiful Purea Nei by the late Hirini Melbourne. One can almost feel his spirit departing on the wings of his own lament, such is the rendition given by this trio. Not that this is a sad album by any measure - it swings! And it’s all done with ukulele, guitar and a myriad of percussion from cajon to high-hat. The pacific flavour is reinforced by an ode to sister island Rotuma, a remote Polynesian part of Fiji that Halliday strongly identifies with.
All in all a rewarding listen. - NZ Musician Magazine

"..extraordinary, spiritually uplifting yet witty - their voices made in heaven and instrumental skills to match. The sense of a strong and vibrant musical traditional living on in the trio’s original songs and melodies and their arrangements was all pervasive... Worth a trip to New Zealand just to see them.." - Wombat Music, Australia -

"..extraordinary, spiritually uplifting yet witty - their voices made in heaven and instrumental skills to match. The sense of a strong and vibrant musical traditional living on in the trio’s original songs and melodies and their arrangements was all pervasive... Worth a trip to New Zealand just to see them.." - Wombat Music, Australia -

This is definitely not what I expected when I put my hand up to give this album a whirl. I listened: it was not the usual upbeat Pacific rhythms often heard in the islands. It was not the fusion-Pacific hip-hop favoured by the younger Pacific people in New Zealand - as often heard on Niu FM. It was not the gentle island sound that makes you think of the breeze through the coconut trees and balmy island nights. I listened further. I jumped on the net and did some research on Pacific Curls. Words such as "extraordinary", "spiritually uplifting", "different" and "refreshing" pop up when people describe the group and its music. I nod in agreement when reading these descriptions. I would probably also add "haunting". I find out the trio - of Maori / Pacific origin - are Ora Barlow, Kim Halliday and Mahina Kaui - women with great voices, an impressive resume of performing experience and musical talent, including being able to play a raft of instruments, many traditional. The original songs, melodies and arrangements were all pervasive, and most underpinned by a ukulele backbeat. It's a smooth combination of swing and jazz, all mixed up in a pot of haunting Pacific sounds. - Waikato Times NZ - 31 May

This is definitely not what I expected when I put my hand up to give this album a whirl. I listened: it was not the usual upbeat Pacific rhythms often heard in the islands. It was not the fusion-Pacific hip-hop favoured by the younger Pacific people in New Zealand - as often heard on Niu FM. It was not the gentle island sound that makes you think of the breeze through the coconut trees and balmy island nights. I listened further. I jumped on the net and did some research on Pacific Curls. Words such as "extraordinary", "spiritually uplifting", "different" and "refreshing" pop up when people describe the group and its music. I nod in agreement when reading these descriptions. I would probably also add "haunting". I find out the trio - of Maori / Pacific origin - are Ora Barlow, Kim Halliday and Mahina Kaui - women with great voices, an impressive resume of performing experience and musical talent, including being able to play a raft of instruments, many traditional. The original songs, melodies and arrangements were all pervasive, and most underpinned by a ukulele backbeat. It's a smooth combination of swing and jazz, all mixed up in a pot of haunting Pacific sounds. - Waikato Times NZ - 31 May

Reviewed by Simon Sweetman
Dominion Post, Wellington
Monday 5 November 2007

The first thing we learned in this celebration of Maori music – for those that did not know already – is that this world actually incorporates several worlds, blurring genres, taking from other cultures, staying true to tradition – as well as spreading out to hint at new trends. This year’s Pao Pao Pao show saw Matai Smith reprise his role as the MC; effortlessly filling the gaps between acts with lighthearted comic relief and constantly spreading the vibe of good cheer .…
The stage crew worked swiftly and the diverse lineup all received their 15 minutes of fame.
From the big names (Moana & The Tribe, Whirimako Black) through to the stars of tomorrow (Zero T), all of the acts received huge applause; and – importantly – all were worthy of the adulation.
Highlights included the short set by Whirimako Black, showcasing her stunning voice…
I was really impressed by the performance from Gisborne’s young crew, Zero T …
It is impossible to fault entertainment that moves people and allows us all to enjoy an aspect of a culture that is important to our country.
Pacific Curls, three female musicians that fuse Celtic and Pacific musical styles, using ukulele, guitar, fiddle and percussion, were the other standout act for me. A great night.
- Dominion Post, Wellington, Steve Sweetman

Reviewed by Simon Sweetman
Dominion Post, Wellington
Monday 5 November 2007

The first thing we learned in this celebration of Maori music – for those that did not know already – is that this world actually incorporates several worlds, blurring genres, taking from other cultures, staying true to tradition – as well as spreading out to hint at new trends. This year’s Pao Pao Pao show saw Matai Smith reprise his role as the MC; effortlessly filling the gaps between acts with lighthearted comic relief and constantly spreading the vibe of good cheer .…
The stage crew worked swiftly and the diverse lineup all received their 15 minutes of fame.
From the big names (Moana & The Tribe, Whirimako Black) through to the stars of tomorrow (Zero T), all of the acts received huge applause; and – importantly – all were worthy of the adulation.
Highlights included the short set by Whirimako Black, showcasing her stunning voice…
I was really impressed by the performance from Gisborne’s young crew, Zero T …
It is impossible to fault entertainment that moves people and allows us all to enjoy an aspect of a culture that is important to our country.
Pacific Curls, three female musicians that fuse Celtic and Pacific musical styles, using ukulele, guitar, fiddle and percussion, were the other standout act for me. A great night.
- Dominion Post, Wellington, Steve Sweetman