$Mark Vanilau \"Giants of the Sea\"$ In October last year I had the massive pleasure of writing the string arrangement for Mark Vanilau's track "Giants of the Sea", released TODAY! The track is produced by Warren Maxwell and strings recorded by Nic Manders. Never heard of him? No one is perfect!

Mark Vanilau has worked with New Zealand's best - he's a regular member of Dave Dobbyn's band, he played on Hollie Smith's album, performed with Rikki Gooch in Eru Dangerspiel and has been in bands with Ladi 6 and Scribe. He recently played his first show with Warren Maxwell and Louis Baker.

Vanilau is a multi-instrumentalist with a distinctive, velveteen voice. His dynamic live set takes twists and turns through soul soundscapes he describes as "Pink Floyd soul music".

Listen to the track:

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Watch the video:

Purchase your copy here at Amplifier.co.nz.

Tonight was the launch of John Psathas' new CD View from Olympus featuring three concerti recorded by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with Pedro Carneiro (Percussion), Michael Houstoun (Piano) and Joshua Redman (Saxophone). Of course I had to get a CD straight away. Included is a DVD called Creating View from Olympus. WOW WOW WOW. I'm very familiar with the View from Olympus concerto and reasonably familiar with the others, but listening to this recording is as if they are new works. The standard is incredible. It is the biggest recording project ever undertaken here in New Zealand, and is absolutely amazing.

View from Olympus Album Cover

If there is one CD you have to get, it is this one. It is put out by Rattle Records, also available through SOUNZ, and for any more info I VERY VERY VERY STRONGLY RECCOMMEND you to go to www.viewfromolympus.com.