Ask A Band Member

Angel At My Table

On 8.5.98, Bibi Gellert asked:

"a friend and I were listening to the "Angel at My Table" soundtrack, and we wondered if Don had directed the music for that film-did he choose the other musical works on that soundtrack and fit them to the images on the film, or was that someone else?"

Don:

Shit, that's a long time ago now. There were a few pieces of music that Jane Campion had settled on for the film before I got involved: Schubert's "An Die Musik" and an old New Zealand pop song called "Blue Smoke" are two that spring to mind. "Duncan Gray" is a Scottish folk song dating from around 1700. The words (by Robbie Burns) appear several times in "To The Is-land" (the first part of Janet Frame's autobiography). Jane wanted it in the film somewhere. I think it was my idea to use it as the theme. Because it's strongly associated with Janet's childhood, I decided to re-arrange it to give it the flavour of a school music room, with guitars, recorders and triangles.

Otherwise, I chose pieces, arranged and/or recorded new performances of them, (in the case of the slow movement from Schubert's Bb Piano Sonata - my old friend New Zealand concert pianist David Guerin encouraged me to try the piece in the film, then agreed to record it for me) or hunted down old 78s, re-mastered them, and played them to Jane. It was a brilliant film to be a part of.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(Answered by Susan)

Q- What is a Mutton Bird?

A- A mutton bird is like a sea-gull, indigenous to New Zealand. Some people eat it. I've not tried it myself but have it on good authority from those that have that it is quite fatty and rather "Salty"

Q- Do you have a new guitarist?

A- No, is the short answer. However luckily Chris Sheehan's other commitments have allowed him to keep playing with the band. He's playing on the new album too.

Q- When is the album coming out?

A- The best guess at the moment is that it will be in the shops mid January.

Q- Have you got a new record company?

A- Yes, Gravy Train Records, our own label. At this time we are not looking for another major deal. We are determined that with your help perseverance will overcome in the face of adversity.

Q- Are you releasing the second video collection?

A- Not yet as the production costs are somewhat prohibitive.

Q- Is Ngaire a maori or New Zealand name?

A- I hope you win the fiver Sarah, it's maori (we think).