I liked the look of Awa Blues when I saw it in the NZ section at Slowboat Records in Wellington. I had never heard of Grant Haua but it looked like something worth checking out. I did a little research, checked out a couple of tunes on Spotify and decided that it was worth buying. So $50 later and a short work home I was listening to it in full.
Awa Blues is his first solo album. Prior to that he was in what has been described as a Power Blues duo (Black Keys anybody) Swamp Thing.
Not long after we caught him doing a live acoustic show and was impressed by the strength of his presence and show. Unfortunately it was poorly attended with less than 30 people. I have therefore recommended to friends whereever he plays that they should catch him play and so far all have reported being very impressed. It is a pity that he seems to be better recognisd in Europe than he does in his homeland with good reviews, particuilarly in France and he records on a European label.
The music is a mix of John Hiatt, Taj Mahal influenced acoustic country and Maori blues. Grant's songwriting is strong throughout with some really great songs.
When he plays Tough Love Mumma live he tells the great story of getting all his Aunts together, paying them with wine and the fun they had recording the video. You can certainly see the fun, and love, in the video. This is the Place portrays well the importance of land or whenua to Maori.
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