Blue Smoke -- Wellington International Ukulele Trio

[24beckyboo]

Rangi Ruru Wananga Karaitiana wrote a song called "Blue Smoke" which provided a welcome home theme for returning troops. He served in the 28th Maori Battalion and wrote the song while in service. This song was eventually covered by such notable performers like Dean Martin (USA) and the duo Ziegler and Booth (England). Dean Martin actually wanted to employ him to write more songs later on. (stolen from facebook page for 28th Maori Battalion)

[24beckyboo]

Rangi Ruru Wananga Karaitiana wrote a song called "Blue Smoke" which provided a welcome home theme for returning troops. He served in the 28th Maori Battalion and wrote the song while in service. This song was eventually covered by such notable performers like Dean Martin (USA) and the duo Ziegler and Booth (England). Dean Martin actually wanted to employ him to write more songs later on. (stolen from facebook page for 28th Maori Battalion)

[justapathy]

omg secret bret!

[flashrobbie]

Sir Howard used to make war songs upbeat without making fun of them. Woman in the middle, you've heard the story of how lots of good Kiwi men gave their lives for your freedom? You can have fun with the song without mocking it or, by association, them.

[sootyshearwater]

I think we see different things, e hoa. I see a singer with a lovely voice and a pretty smile, apologising to her bandmates for flubbing that final note, while playing a classic song for a late-night audience a long long way from home. It was but one split-second of a beautiful night. I imagine the wartime singalongs and concert parties -- and even the great Sir Howard's concerts -- had their share of those moments too. We're all only human, no?

[aartvegan]

Interesting story about that song.

[Flywheel45]

Great video! And a brilliant performance.

[paddyb69]

Kiwi Classic

[pamelawellington]

Bret McKenzie (Flight of the Conchords on the left, Gemma Gracewood on the right. . .