MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Inia te Wiata: Just Call Me Happy

Five years in the planning, this is the definitive release devoted to the great New Zealand entertainer's career. The National Library of NZ and Atoll Ltd present this commemorative set of recordings by Inia Te Wiata on 2 CDs and a DVD, chosen by his widow Beryl Te Wiata.

Inia loved a challenge! The huge range of vocal styles covered here illustrate the point perfectly. The 49 music tracks - several of which have never been released before - are accompanied by a special DVD that adds a unique visual element to the production. The DVD includes a documentary film showing Inia's parallel skills as a master carver along with a rare interview filmed with Inia's friend Spike Milligan. In the 40-page booklet of notes and photographs, Beryl Te Wiata shares her personal memories and impressions

'Just Call Me Happy' is the ninth release in the series 'Treasures in Sound: He Puiaki Puoru', an ongoing series of remastered music of historical significance held by the Alexander Turnbull Library.

"Viewed in retrospect, the breadth of Inia's repertoire is nothing short of astounding. Extending across the musical spectrum, it embraces classic and contemporary opera, lieder and ballads. through to pop songs. Broadway and West End musicals and concert recitals come in along the way, with the whole interrupted now and then for acting in stage plays, on radio, TV and films. And always, proudly, there are the beloved Maori songs he learned as a small Ngati Raukawa boy and treasured all his life." - Peter Downes

NOTE: Back cardboard cover has a slight marking in ink