Spotlight: Mara TK 'Taniwhunk'

Mara TK possesses one of "those" voices. You know what I mean: disarming, seductive, almost ethereal. It is no lion's roar, sure, but despite this he delivers his messages with as much intent and clarity.

Mara is the vocalist and frontman (such as they have just one) for one of our most forward thinking and exciting musical groups, Electric Wire Hustle, and son of legendary Kiwi guitarist Billy TK. He is also one of the most gentle, reticient and caring frontmen I've ever met.

The Taniwhunk EP was a double A-side release on a very limited run of 7" singles back in 2011, but this self-confessed 'Maori in Space' has just scored quite the coup: he is re-releasing both tracks (Run and Anyone Here?) through German label OnGravity Records - with remixes by Moodymann and Simbad. I know!

Check the Moodymann mix in the player below, or here; and the Simbad mix here.

Propers to the brother for getting the word out. And speaking of 'the word', check out this link for some serious prose (brose?) describing his sound and the driving force behind his music making. Mauri Ora!

George FM Playlist Sun 19th Dec

Syrup - Chocolate
War - Galaxy (album version)
Wes Coats - Land Of Music
T-Connection - Do What You Wanna Do
Gary Byrd & Stevie Wonder - The Crown (edit)
Basement Jaxx - Miracles Keep On Playin' (Red Alert remix)
Jermaine Jackson - Erucu (AC edit)
Louis La Roche with Ad-Apt - Missing You
Senor Coconut & His Orchestra - Sweet Dreams (Cha Cha Cha)
7Samurai with Angie Stone - Muzic
Rufus with Chaka Khan - Dance Wit Me
The Jackson 5 - Things I Do For You
Aretha Franklin - Everyday People (Everyday remix)
Ronnie Laws - Your Stuff
Kid Creole & His Orchestra - Stool Pigeon (edit)
Average White Band - Pick Up The Pieces
Kleeer - Taste The Music (LeBaron edit)
The Limit - She's So Divine

Propers to the Hit It & Quit It crew for an outstanding End Of Year Revue on Friday evening, with 3 local crews - The Turnaround, The Dose & Recloose+Frank Booker - giving both internationals an armchair ride, allowing them to throw down a seriously deep & diverse set from Moodymann; and a floor-filling, party-rocking set from DJ Day.

Saturday evening saw the incredible Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings sell out the Powerstation & win over every single, sweat-soaked punter in the place, with a blend of razor sharp musicianship & a firebrand performance from Ms Jones herself. At 54yrs of age, she puts "performers" half her age to shame. Mesmerising.

Two more compelling reasons for supporting so-called "underground" music...

Oh, you need a third? OK, click on the link provided among the playlist above. The one which will hook you up with my man Scotty Coats & his bro Wes The Mes out of LA. Too lazy to scroll up again? Alright then... Check it. Wreck it. Play it. Say it!