Music Industry News

Renowned New Zealand musician and producer Nathan Haines has released his eleventh studio album and first solo album since 2014.

Nathan’s vibrant career has solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary jazz and electronic music, and throughout his career, he has distinguished himself as a masterful saxophonist, producer and DJ, celebrated for his innovative fusion of jazz with elements of soul, funk, and dance music.

In the years since his last release, Haines has undergone transformative change in both his personal and professional life, including moving back to NZ, becoming a father, and setting up his own recording studio. Throughout this time, he was also diagnosed and has recovered from throat cancer, a hugely difficult time for a person who has made his career using his throat.

Given the personal circumstances surrounding the album, NOTES truly feels like a celebration of life and features a collection of tracks that are as rhythmically infectious as they are emotionally profound.

The 14-track album features his previously released tracks ‘Come Into The Light (feat La Coco)’, ‘Belo Dia’ and ‘Just Holdin’ On (feat EO).’

A labour of love, work on the new album, NOTES, started several years ago alongside the now-deceased UK producer Phil Asher who had produced Nathan’s two most successful albums SOUND TRAVELS and SQUIRE FOR HIRE Regarded as one of the finest DJs and producers to emerge from the UK and playing a pivotal role in bridging the gap between 4/4 and broken beat, this was the first time Nathan and Phil had worked together in over eighteen years. Phil passed away during the recording of the album, but he appears on several tracks, and his spirit and influence can be felt throughout the entire release.

Nathan has long been celebrated for his ability to blend different musical styles. and NOTES features deep, groove-driven basslines, soulful melodies, and intricate rhythms, all enhanced by electronic elements. NOTES also features collaborations with some of the music industry’s most revered artists, bringing a diverse range of voices and styles to the album. This collaborative spirit adds richness and variety to the album.

The album features several guest vocalists, including UK soul diva Vanessa Freeman (Bugz In The Attic, 4 Hero, Kaidi Tatham, Kyoto Jazz Massive), and exciting young talents Arjuna Oakes, Ruby, La Coco and Eo (NZ). Alongside Nathan’s own musicianship and production, the album also features contributions from keyboardists Michal Martyniuk and Joe Kaptein, Razor-N-Tape label founder Jkriv and electronic jazz pioneer Mark de Clive-Lowe, all bringing a wealth of collaboration and musicality to the project.

Long-time collaborator and much respected UK-based producer Marc Mac (one-half of the highly influential and respected duo 4Hero) provides beats for a number, alongside Nathan’s father Kevin on acoustic bass.

Highly respected DJ and producer Frank Booker (Razor and Tape) drops his signature beats on three tracks that fit nicely alongside Asher’s drum work. The album’s one cover sees Nathan teaming up with vocalist Rachel Clarke on their version of ‘Storm’ by US 80’s vocal group Rare Silk – this track is entirely acoustic and is one of the album’s special moments both artistically and musically.

To close the album, Nathan’s vocals form the centrepiece for his composition ‘NOTES’, featuring his brother Joel Haines on guitar and an amazing live tabla performance from Manjit Singh – plus a closing vocal line from Nathan’s eight-year-old son Zoot. This highly personal song details Nathan’s journey through cancer and emerging from the other side with a new life perspective, with Nathan providing lead vocals for the first time since recovering from throat cancer. It’s a track that according to Nathan took over three years “to get right”, and in all its rawness and emotional impact, it’s the perfect closing statement.

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Nathan Haines is one of NZ’s most prolific musical exports, fusing jazz and dance music traditions with a discography spanning over 30 years. Well-known as a saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer, Nathan Haines is a genre-bending musician who has an instantly recognisable sound and approach. Haines’ acclaimed career has to date seen him release 10 albums and countless collaborations, highlighted by his classic albums SHIFT LEFT, SQUIRE FOR HIRE and SOUND TRAVELS. A multiple-time Jazz Album of the Year winner, Haines has spent his musical life at the forefront of both electronic & jazz music in NZ & beyond. August 2024 will see the release of Haines’ 11th studio album, NOTES, his most personal album to date. His first album in over six years, the album features production from legendary UK producer Phil Asher, one of his final projects before his untimely passing in 2021. While still maintaining the jazz sound & influence he is renowned for, the album sees Haines embracing the electronic/house/disco scene with the album sitting on the jazz end of the electronic spectrum. Haines’ list of collaborators over his storied career includes Damon Albarn, Marlena Shaw, Mark de Clive Lowe & the NZ Symphony Orchestra, alongside current collaborators Flamingo Pier, Frank Booker & Chaos in the CBD. Nathan Haines is an artist who is pushing the boundaries of both electronic and jazz music, and is celebrated in both circles.