Theo Walters and the RNZAF Band on Bougainville during World War Two. Photo: Jim Warren Collection/Chris Bourke
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:
- RNZ: Chris Bourke on Music & War
- RNZ: NZSO: Spirit of ANZAC
- AudioCulture: Kiwi Concert Party – Pacific Theatre
- AudioCulture: Lou Paul
- AudioCulture: Theo Walters
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
