Geoffrey Barnett reviews Kiwi Rock Chicks: Pop Stars and
Trailblazers, by Ian Chapman
KIWI ROCK CHICKS, POP STARS &
TRAILBLAZERS
Ian Chapman
HarperCollins, $44.99, pbk
The first thing I did after receiving this book for review
was apply the Jenny Morris litmus test.
Morris is my all-time favourite Kiwi rock singer, so for this
lavishly illustrated softcover to have any credibility, in my
opinion, it had to do justice to the sexy, multitalented
former member of the Crocodiles.
After turning to page 142, I was satisfied that it did.
A gorgeous on-stage photo is followed by a rundown of her
life and career, in her own words.
The book features 54 of New Zealand's best female rock, pop
and crossover singers, all telling their own stories.
Many of the younger singers I had not heard of until now, so
reading about them has been an education as well as a
pleasure.
Along with an autobiography, a discography is included for
each performer.
Author Ian Chapman says the book is a celebration of Kiwi
female artists.
''The desire to raise a trumpet and blow a well-deserved and
overdue fanfare to these super-talented women is ... the
primary motivation ... ''
As a university music lecturer, Chapman also felt that while
his students had a good knowledge of female artists of the
past 20 years, they knew little about the trailblazing women
singers of the 1960s, '70s and '80s, and he wanted to address
that imbalance.
He's done a fine job, and older readers hoping for pages
devoted to the likes of Sandy Edmonds, Suzanne Lynch,
Rochelle Vinsen, Annie Whittle and Cathy Howe won't be
disappointed.
All the newer stars, such as Bic Runga, Brooke Fraser, Anika
Moa and Dunedin-born Annah Mac are included.
Debbie Harwood says in the foreword: '' ... New Zealand women
singers/musicians have enormous public appeal but little
respect from the [music] industry, which has been reflected
in the books written and documentaries made. The public,
however, love them!''
This book is beautifully presented and, as Chapman says, long
overdue.
• Geoffrey Barnett is a Dunedin journalist.
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