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My time to write is very limited, these days, but I did do this new cover version of the classic Maori song, Pokarekare Ana. I say "new version" because I did another version of this, a few years ago. I changed the BIAB tracks for this one, entirely. See what you think?  Thanks for listening, and for any and all comments! Pokarekare Ana THE LYRICS: Pōkarekare ana, ngā wai o Waiapu Whiti atu koe hine, marino ana e. E hine e, hoki mai ra Ka mate ahau i te aroha e. Tuhituhi taku reta, tuku atu taku rīngi Kia kite tō iwi, raru raru ana e. E hine e, hoki mai ra Ka mate ahau i te aroha e. Pōkarekare ana, ngā wai o Waiapu Whiti atu koe hine, marino ana e. E hine e, hoki mai ra Ka mate ahau i te aroha e *** THE BAND: ****** Song Summary ************* Title: Pokarekare Ana - 17 June 2020 File:Pokarekare Ana - 21 March 2025.SGU Key=G , Tempo 80, Length (m:s)=3:42 No intro. 70 bar chorus, from bar 1 to bar 70. Repeat x1 chorus No Melody No Soloist track. Song is saved with Volume, Pan, Reverb, Chorus, Bank0, Style is _UNRULY.STY (Unruly Songwriter Lounge Groove) RealTracks in style: ~2474:Bass, Acoustic, Held Ev 085 RealTracks in style: ~1639:Piano, Electric, Rhythm JazzFunkBreezy Ev16 075 RealTracks in style: 3644:Guitar, Acoustic, Fingerpicking IndieFolkAlternate Ev16 085 RealTracks in style: 3329:Guitar, Electric, Rhythm LoungeFunkSwells Ev16 080 RealDrums in style:Cajon and Mark Tree [Multi] ******************* Voice recording, mixing, etc., in Mixcraft Pro Studio 10
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Kia ora, James!
A very pleasant song to listen to with good vocals and calming backing.
Andrew D
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I am at a loss discussing this "classic," James, because I never heard it before. That surely doesn't stop me from smiling out my eyes at the beauty you've created. Excellent vocal --your best, I'd say-- and I always thoroughly enjoy the changes you come up with for your compositions. So well done!!
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James,
Beautiful... Excellent arrangement, mix & vocal. I agree with Marty - one of your best vocal performances.
Bob
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This is really nice, James. Love your soothing vocals! We don't have enough rolling R's in American English. Nice compact band that supports the song exactly enough. Well done!
Did some web crawling to understand the background of this song a bit. Cool background.
DC Ron
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Too many guitars (is that a thing?)
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Beautiful, so peaceful. Excellently done in all regards. I’m glad I decided to listen..good inspiration to not avoid works that are simple, elegant, slow and stately, and lovely. Great work!
Windows 11, Intel Core i5-8600T 2.3Ghz, 16 gig ram, BIAB 2025 MegaPak, SampleTank 4, Keystation49 Kybd, Neewer NW-800 mic
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A confident voice, a major step forward for you sir...the confidence comes through in the whole package.
Our cousins across the Tasman Sea have a beautiful, rich & varied musical tradition.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
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I've listened to many of your songs over the years, James, and I cannot recall a better vocal. More, please
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Wow, I kept scrolling to see if this was Synth V vocals. I saw it was you, couldn't believe it. Best singing I've heard from you. And a beautiful song. One of your best contributions, for sure, James!
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
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Andrew: hi, and thank you! So happy you enjoyed my version of the song! Marty: wow, thanks. I'm glad the vocal's struck a chord with you and a few others, it seems! Thanks ever so much for such incredible support and encouragement Vic: thanks! Bob: thanks. As Ray said, I think it was a confidence issue. I don't have the best voice, but I must learn to have faith in whatever I do have! Thanks so much! Ed: thank you ever so much. You've always been incredibly supportive of my little "musical adventures"! Ron: I absolutely love this song. So glad that I could cover it, and, what's more, to people's liking!!! Thanks so much for your kind comments! Tano: yes, it's a beautiful song, isn't it? I was scared to approach it, initially, but ... I eventually went for it, lol. Thanks so much for listening and for your comments! Ray: yes. A superb musical tradition, over in New Zealand! It's an honour when someone like you says they liked something I do, because I really respect your wonderfully sharp hearing and musical opinions, so ... thank you! Ghostgum: thanks Your comments are the perfect tonic for me to gather up the courage to sing more. I'm SO glad you liked this version of mine of this stunning, stunning song. TuneMonger: wow. You, and, of course, the others, too, are all so very kind! Too kind, but I will definitely take the compliments and run, haha. Seriously, though, thanks so much. I think it must have been the song, to be honest, which has inspired me to sing "better". With such a song, how can one not let go, right?
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Man, we can fathom no reason why you haven't been singing like this for years! 🤷♂️
Simply a great piece that honored a great tradition.
Well done!
J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
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Thanks so much, Janice and Bud. Lack of confidence in my own voice is the only reason, I promise. And that's why, when musicians like you say I should sing more, it's rebuilding that confidence to the point where I do dare to sing and record myself singing . Thank you for listening, thank you for such wonderful comments. And yes, last but certainly not least: what a song to sing.
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Wow What a lovely vocal James. Beautiful song.
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Such an enchanting arrangement and performance. Very enjoyable to listen to, indeed! Thank you for expanding my musical horizon with this cover that I hadn't heard before.
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I'm standing on a NZ shore looking out at the beautiful setting sun. Very transporting. But what does it mean??? Curious minds want to know!! Alright...I'll Google translate it:
The waters of Waiapu are turbulent
Come back, girl, calm down.
Girl, come back
I'm dying of love.
Write my letter, send my ring
Let your people see, I'm in trouble.
Girl, come back
I'm dying of love.
The waters of Waiapu are turbulent
Come back, girl, calm down.
Girl, come back
I'm dying of love
Last edited by BYOBand; 04/21/25 06:11 AM.
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James,
Very nicely done! I agree it’s among your best vocals. I might want the vocal to sit back in the mix just a very small tad, but that’s just a nit (and subjective, so see what others think). The backing music is well done; just the right sound and softness. A pretty listen!
Deej
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James, this is absolutely an outstanding song that I've never heard it before
Very calming
IMHO this is your best to date - outstanding vocal
Loved it
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
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Hi James.
This is one of my all-time favourite songs.
You really did it justice.
Your vocals were perfect for the song.
I loved the arrangement, the mix and your performance.
This was definitely worth the re-visit.
--Noel
MY SONGS...Audiophile BIAB 2026
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