ALLANA GOLDSMITH & MARK BAYNES COMBINE FOR PROJECT & ALBUM
Goldsmith Baynes are set to release the up-tempo jazz single ‘Tō Ihu’, the second single & video off their forthcoming album, out Friday 11th February on Meow Jazz. An exciting new project created by the renowned jazz artists Allana Goldsmith and Mark Baynes with vocals containing a beautiful mix of Māori and English language, their debut single Tīpuna was released last year and featured on the Waiata Anthems 2021 compilation. A wonderful collaboration between two modern favourites of the jazz world, Goldsmith's soulful jazz vocal combines with British pianist Baynes' contemporary jazz stylings to produce this truly uplifting and remarkable record.
‘Tō Ihu’ is a punchy and memorable slice of modern contemporary jazz which features an authentic and colourful use of te reo Māori woven within the lyrics, and is accompanied by a fittingly lively and fun video, directed by Shivani Karan. Humorously, ‘Tō Ihu’ translates to ‘butt out’, an idiom to tell someone not to interfere. The track and video acts as a celebration of culture and music all rolled into one, brilliantly performed as well as produced by Goldsmith and Baynes, and backed on the recording by fellow musicians Hikurangi Schaverien-Kaa (drums), Alex Griffith (electric bass), Cameron Allen (saxophones), Jono Tan (trombone) and Mike Booth (trumpet and horn arrangement).
The Goldsmith Baynes project is a celebration between two musical souls. The talented pair have worked together for over 10 years and their musical bond comes from freedom, a shared trust, and mutual respect. Goldsmith and Baynes have written a stunning collection of songs together, which will culminate in a debut album to be released early this year.
Goldsmith Baynes have performed at renowned festivals including the Waiheke Jazz Festival and Tauranga International Jazz Festival, and have been programmed for the 2022 Auckland Arts Festival. They also were invited to perform at the recent Aotearoa Music Awards 2021
“Allana Goldsmith is a rare gem, the kind of artist one hears for the first time and is immediately captivated. In many ways she is reminiscent of the great singers of the past. What is not redolent of past singers, however, is her preparedness to tackle adventurous modern projects”.
– the Creative Jazz Club (2013).