EddieRayner

(NOTE: This site is endorsed by the Artist.)Eddie Rayner is one of New Zealand’s foremost musicians and composers. A member of Space Waltz (featuring Alistair Riddell on lead vocals), he joined the hugely popular Split Enz in the early 1970’s and became an integral part of the original Enz sound. There is little doubt that his musical quirks shaped them and helped to make them what they became – inarguably New Zealand’s most successful band. Eddie also played keys with Crowded House for a short time, before moving on and becoming a respected composer and musician in his own right with his highly acclaimed ENZSO projects. However, prior to the brilliant ENZSO endeavours, Eddie had already released a collection of his own instrumental compositions – called “Horse”. This album must be described as Eddie’s “theme” music, and it is pure Rayner brilliance from beginning to end.Eddie has collaborated extensively with other artists– in Australia (post Enz) he was a member of the briefly popular contemporary duo, The Makers, with Brian Baker on lead vocals. He worked on some movie themes (Ricky and Pete), and was involved in production with The Exponents, Pop Mechanix, Dead Flowers and Margaret Urlich. He was also invited to play keyboards on Paul and Linda McCartney’s last album together – Push to Play.Early in the third millennium Eddie completed and released Play it Straight – his own arrangements and interpretation of some of his favourite Kiwi-penned songs – performed by a wide range of NZ vocalists and musicians – resulting in an exceptional body of work that certainly did not receive the acclaim it deserved. More recently, TV viewers will know Eddie for his role as music director with NZ Idol for three years.Eddie is a humble and talented character, who's biggest strengths are an intelligent application of that talent, and complete integrity in his approach to the process. All of which is clearly and concisely demonstrated in his music for those who care to listen.