History / Music

Blue Smoke: New Zealand music during wartime

06:00 am on 25 April 2024

Theo Walters and the RNZAF Band on Bougainville during World War Two. Photo: Jim Warren Collection/Chris Bourke

Listen to Blue Smoke Anzac Day Special

This audio is not downloadable due to copyright restrictions.

Wherever war is waged, there is also music made. In the first and second world wars, music was an essential element of the war effort - and the war experience - of civilians and soldiers alike.

In this special Anzac Day episode of Blue Smoke, Chris Bourke explores New Zealand music during wartime, from the First World War to the Korean War, uncovering overlooked gems and forgotten songs along the way.

Written, presented, and produced by Chris Bourke; engineered by Phil Benge.

Listen: The Art Rosoman Band at the Peter Pan Cabaret with an excerpt of I’m Beginning to See the Light from NFU Weekly Review Power From the River, 1947


More to explore:

Music Featured:

Artist: Freddie Gore Big Band

Source: Nga Taonga 24257

Composer: Unknown

Label: NBS acetate

 

Track: Swinging the Blues

Artist: Theo Walters 1ZB Band

Source: Private collection

Composer: Basie/Durham

Label: NBS acetate

 

Track: In the Mood

Artist: Theo Walters 1ZB Band

Source: Private collection

Composer: Razaf/Garland

Label: NBS acetate

 

Track: Good Old New Zealand

Artist: Stanley Kirkby

78rpm disc

Composer: Benzoni

Label: Regal

 

Track: It’s a Long Way to Tipperary

Artist: Unknown UK soldier in German POW camp

Album: Oh! It’s a Lovely War, vol 3

Composer: Judge/Williams

Label: CD41

 

Track: E Pari Ra

Artist: Alexandra Foster

Source: Farewell Zealandia, RNZ recording, 2015

Composer: Pararie Tomoana

 

Track: We’ll Never Forget Our Boys

Artist: V8 Vocal Ensemble

Source: Farewell Zealandia, RNZ recording, 2015

Composer: Jane Morison

 

Track: King Tawhiao

Artist: Lou Paul and His Maori Maids

Source: Beacon 78rpm disc

Composer: Walter Smith

Location: RNZ Sound Archive, Christchurch, ID 102902

 

Artist: Wiremu Kerekere

Source: Interview by Dale Husband, RNZ Archive

Programme: Mana Tangata

 

Track: E Te Ope Tuatahi

Artist: 28 Māori Battalion

Album: Ake Ake Kia Kaha E!

Composer: Apirana Ngata

Label: Atoll

 

Track: Bill Massey’s Army

Artist: Les Cleveland

Source: RNZ Archive

Composer: Trad

 

Artist: Anita Osborne

Interview by Chris Bourke, 2006

 

Track: Castle Rock

Artist: Dale Alderton Orchestra with Esme Stephens

78rpm disc

Composer: Sears/Drake/Shirl

Label: Stebbing

 

Track: Blue Smoke

Artist: Jean Ngeru

Source: NBS mobile recording, 1946: MU97B

Composer: Ruru Karaitiana

Location: RNZ Sound Archive, Christchurch

 

Track: Freddie Gore Band

Artist: Land of the Sky Blue Water

Source: Nga Taonga D149

Composer: Charles Wakefield Cadman

 

Artist: Coral Cummins and Martin Winiata

Interview by Jim Reid

Source: Nga Taonga 183139

 

Track: ’S Wonderful

Artist: Coral Cummins and the Art Rosoman Band

Source: NBS acetate, private collection

Composer: George and Ira Gershwin