Collaboration
It has been an enormous privilege to have collaborated with other artists and musicians on projects over the years. Below, you'll find some of the projects in which I've been involved.
Ngā Tōrino
Ngā Tōrino is an exhibition featuring Robin Slow's paintings, Brian Flintoff's carvings with a soundscape and video developed by Bob with musicians Ariana Tikao, Holly Tikao-Weir and Solomon Rahui.
It is the sixth collaboration of Robin, Brian and Bob and was developed for the Kereru Gallery, Māpua for January/February 2020.
In the seen and unseen, the sound and silence, the marked and unmarked expressions of the spaces within our existence form Ngā Tōrino.
Tōrino is the spiral, the flute and the name of the eardrum all connecting the presented works here. Though seemingly separate at first glance there is the connection that binds them together to form a whole. Tuia (binding) has become the intention of those that have worked on this presentation. The stories and histories are the tohu/signposts that direct and guide the intentions.
These become explorations into what binds us together into a journey from the past into the present, our backs being to the unseen future that will reveal itself with the direction provided by the tohu. Our stages of existence and understanding expressed through each individual’s effort is bound to a collective to not only express ideas but to continue to learn and share.
Ko te Tātai Whetū
This work for taonga puoro and orchestra was written by Philip Brownlee and Ariana Tikao and was performed at the Nelson Centre of Musical Arts with the Nelson Symphony Orchestra conducted by James Donaldson on 27th July 2019.
Matariki
This short soundtrack and video was created to accompany an exhibition of Robin and Brian's work which was presented at the Little River Gallery in 2019 to mark Matariki.
Tohu
Tohu was an exhibition created for Little River Gallery featuring paintings by Robin Slow and carvings by Brian Flintoff. I created a sound track and book to support the kaupapa of the exhibition.
Select the soundtrack audio or download the catalogue
Ngā Hau Ngākau
The concept of Ngā Hau Ngākau flowed from Whare Huruhuru.
Robin and Brian are prolific creators of their respective work and generally speaking most of their exhibitions sell-out. It occurred to us that it was a little sad that the works in a carefully curated exhibition, such as Ngā Hau Ngākau become separated and are viewed by only a limited number of people.
The soundtrack to Ngā Hau Ngākau features Ariana Tikao, Holly Tikao-Weir and Solomon Rahui and a live performance to the video was presented at the Nelson Arts Festival in October 2018 when the exhibition was being shown at the Suter Gallery in Nelson.
Select the video or download the booklet.
Ngā Hau Ngākau Website
As the Ngā Hau Ngākau exhibition continues to tour Aotearoa, we have developed a bespoke website for the exhibition which you can view here:
Whare Huruhuru
Whare Huruhuru was the second exhibition worked by Robin, Brian and myself and was dedicated to Hirini Melbourne and was presented at the gallery at Little River. Whare Huruhuru was the second exhibition worked by Robin, Brian and myself and was dedicated to Hirini Melbourne and was presented at the gallery at Little River.
Select the video or download the booklet.
Tuku Iho
Tuku Iho was the first project that saw painter Robin Slow, carver Brian Flintoff and myself collaborate. The concept of a collaboration followed a brief conversation I had with Kirsty Richardson at Red Gallery which I had shortly before heading off on one of my school tours. I was having lunch in Ngāruawahia when I received a call from Robin Slow who was most enthusiastic about putting together a soundscape, then a video, to support the kaupapa of the exhibition.
The work ensued and the exhibition was a great success. Little did I know at that time that this would be the start of several projects and a most enjoyable collaboration with a couple of tuakana rawe!
Select the video or download the booklet.
Film Soundtracks
These were some of the most creative and enjoyable moments I spent in the studio and ones which we all treasure. We released two CDs of the music from these films and you can hear them on the Listen page.
North South
North South is an epic poetry cycle written by Glen Colquhoun, extracts from which were used in the Green Fire Islands production in 2008 for which I happened to provide live sound.
It explores concepts of Māori and Celtic mythology and what would happen if they intertwined.
The concept was developed into a touring show, directed by Sara Brodie and featured Glen reciting the poetry, Richard Nunns playing taonga puoro and myself on traditional Irish instruments.
Traditional Irish Music
Collaborations made through playing traditional Irish music are extensive and too numerous to list here.
I would like to particularly acknowledge my partner Evey McAuliffe, daughter Ceara McAuliffe-Bickerton as well as some of my key associates over the years including Barrie McDonald, David Kidron, Brendyn Montgomery, Pat Riddet and Davy Stuart.
Ceara, Evey and Bob
Bana Nua
Cruisich
Gael Force (Late 1980s)
Gael Force (Early 1980s)
Gaelic Society Choir (1987)
Jimmy Leith's Ceilidh Band (Early 1980s)
