Photograph by Pat Shepherd-'Candy' CD Launch, Havana, April 3 2009
Hannah Howes has gained recognition for her dreamy soulful voice, adapted reggae style and philosophical lyrics in a deliciously dub-rounded setting. Miss Howes' ten-year apprenticeship in song-writing has set her on a course of broad spectrum collaborations (also under the moniker Sista Mischief), several NZ tours and resulted in three independently released albums. Noted for her unmistakeable voice, profound lyrics and equally awe-inspiring accompanists, Hannah's repertoire is hightening with the NZ release of her new album CANDY through Rhythmethod Distribution. This beautifully crafted album, both soothing and thought provoking, introduces a stellar new line-up, that will leave audiences tantalised.
Kiwi FM studio in Auckland. Recorded after a nine hour drive from Wellington.
DISCOGRAPHY:
CANDY (2009)
Her third album, 'Candy', released at Havana Bar, Wellington on April 3rd, has a mature smoky sound encapsulating stories from the past six years embedded in a solid and unexpected accompaniment. Recorded at Wellington's Surgery studios with award winning engineer, Lee Prebble, it features some seriously hot talent, including Peter Hill (Rhombus, Woolshed Sessions), Myele Manzanza (Recloose, Olmecha Supreme), King Homeboy (National Beatbox Champion, Kamehameha Champion), Ben Wood and Maz Hermon (Hikoikoi Reserve, ROY G and the BIVinators), Al Fraser (Tahu), Alan Starrett (Southern Sinfonia, Flying Nun), backing vocalists Ariana Tikao, Rio Hemopo (Trinity Roots, Breaks Co-op) and Dayna Sanerivi and multi-instrumentalists, John Egenes and Daisy Howes.
"Brilliant... great voice, great interpretation, a troubadour, she writes VERY good songs and the track 'Candy' had the effect of dragging almost everybody in my office space into my office asking who it was and that is a rare thing. She's genius.â€
-Manu Taylor, Radio National
LIVE AT BODEGA (2005)
Hannah's second album, ‘Live at Bodega’ was released on February 7 in 2006 and features previously unreleased songs in an evening of experimentation at one of Wellington’s most frequented venues, with live improvisations from Yair Katz on djembe, Francesca Mountfort and dub washes by Aidan Mills. On ‘Live at Bodega’ Hannah is said to have invented a new genre 'folk-dub' but is likely to have gained credit due to her varied influences from as far afield as Burning Spear to the jangled improv melodies of Van Morrison or the smoldering ash feel of Tracy Chapman. 'Live at Bodega' is also a remarkable soul album. It was mastered by Mike Gibson (Trident Studios, Wellington, N.Z) At the same time the ‘Patchwork Quilt’ EP was re-mastered and a “silent†viola instrumental track added.
‘…Compelling vocals and sumptuous soul, pitch perfect delivery and multi-layered, to the beat, back up.’
-Patrick McCarry, Groove Guide
-Simon Sweetman, Dominion Post
PATCHWORK QUILT (2004)
In 2005 Hannah released her debut EP, recorded at Purakaunui’s ‘Black Star’ studios by Matt Eddy (Zuvuya and Phantom Power), amidst snow drifts and smoky evening laughter, ‘Patchwork Quilt’ was mixed by and features a couple of NZ’s hottest dub/roots originators, Eddy and Warren Maxwell (Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Little Bushman). Also featuring Alan Starrett (Southern Sinfonia). A mix of reggae and folk ballads, the EP is philosophical, analytical and essential.
‘…Howes has been labelled a sleepy lioness, an apt description of not only her stage presence, but also the deeply personal tales and clearly articulated philosophies scattered throughout her dreamy lyrics.’
-Emma Smith, Critic
PURCHASE HANNAH'S CDs:
COMPILATIONS:
Footprints for Peace (2007)
Kaikoura Roots 05 (2006)
Kaikoura Roots 06 (2007)
Radio One Sampler (2005)