There are 11 interesting tracks on this disc on which Langabeer makes his debut on the NZ label, and also records his first album as a band leader.
But he has been a jazz pioneer in this country going back decades, and studied in New York in the mid-'80s, since which time he has graduated to play with a number of international musicians.
He is assisted here by seasoned musicians Rosie Langabeer (piano, Fender Rhodes, organ), Roger Manins (alto saxophone), Neil Watson (guitars, pedal steel), Eamon Edmunson-Welles (bass) and Chris O'Connor (drums). They all contribute mightily to the ensemble and some of its improvisations; recorded well in Auckland.
One can probably take the ''Secret Islands'' to be New Zealand, as Langabeer uses a putorino (Maori instrument, cross between a trumpet and flute) in some tracks and also illustrates Kiwi stories of Hinemoa and Tutanekai, Tangi, Orakei Karuako, and Waiata o te Taniwha in direct references to Aotearoa . He is also inspired by our landscape with tunes and instrumental frolics in Rata Flowers, the helter-skelter Big Smoke and admirable Central Plateau. But Out of Harm's Way is a light and airy diversion, with a great sax duet.
The programme opens with Bad Call, and the questioning What If, with its triple tonguing and later the exciting dialogues between instruments in the aforementioned Waiata. It closes a splendid concert that has much to entertain most pure jazz tastes. Langabeer impresses particularly with his mastery of the tenor sax and various flutes, as well as the taonga puoro.
Verdict: Thrilling music from jazz ensemble.
-By Geoff Adams
