ONE WE MISSED: Grant Haua: Mana Blues (digital outlets)

Another of those albums which was released right at the end of last year and was lost in the crush then the downtime.

We've hailed singer-blues guitarist Grant Haua previously (formerly of Swamp Thing), especially his Awa Blues of three years ago. And last year there was a fine acoustic album.

This time out the gate he plugs in and plays hard with a band which pushes him closer to Bob Seger hitched to Hendrix (Billie Holiday), songs which would appeal the Aerosmith fans (Blame It on A Monday), some classic blues guitar playing (Jealousy), a take on In My Time of Dying (more aligned to Led Zepp's version than Blind Willie Johnson's original) and other material he is happy to conceded may sound “old fashioned” but he takes that as a compliment.

Two tracks stand out because of their points of difference: the furious opener Pukehinahina addresses the battle at that site in English and te reo, and the highly wrought Embers which is a respectful tribute to the fallen soldiers he has seen acknowledged in war memorial museums.

Signed to a French label, Grant Haua spent time late last year in Europe but is slotting in a few date locally. Well worth catching if you are in the area.

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THE MANA BLUES TOUR

Totara St, 11 Totara St, Mt Maunganui Friday 2 February, 8:00pm – 11:00pm

Biddys Bar Hamilton, 17b Hood Street, Hamilton. Saturday 3 February, 7:30pm – 11:00pm

A Day Out With the Blues – The Filter Room Taradale Napier Saturday Feb 10th from noon 

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You can hear and buy this album at bandcamp here