Chris Bourke

Chris Bourke presents a tribute to one of the giants of New Zealand popular music, the blind Dunedin-born pianist, saxophonist, arranger and record producer Julian Lee, who would later work at Capitol… Audio

After the release of ‘Blue Smoke’ in 1949 launched the local recording industry, the fledgling studios were busy capturing the sounds of New Zealand artists. Audio

Refer to the nine to noon page for further details of his track selections. Audio

New Zealand artists’ cover versions of overseas hits – and early original pop songwriting. Audio

Chris talks about the albums that have stayed with him through the year that will be good summer listening. Audio

Rock’n’roll bands, teen pop and folkies... Chris Bourke looks at New Zealand’s pop scene in the early 60s. Audio

Chris Bourke enters the world of musical comedy and cabaret that New Zealand nightclubs offered in the early 1960s. He warns that some of the recordings are deeply corny - while others remain risqué.

Chris goes back catalogue with the Stones and Keith Richards, with new Etta James and Randy Newman. Audio

Chris reviews old music from Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys - the legendary unreleased pop album, Smile, finally out after 45 years - and new music from Bic Runga and Shelby Lynne. Audio

Music historian and author of 'Blue Smoke: The Lost Dawn of New Zealand Popular Music 1918-1964' Chris Bourke puts the needle on long-forgotten locally produced 45s and looks at cabaret singers that… Audio

Chris Bourke says farewell to the Rugby World Cup with music from Polynesia's biggest city, and a tribute to England's charming team. The artists are Fabulous/Arabia, Wellington International Ukelele… Audio

Chris Bourke looks at new takes on old legends, the Texan Bruce Springsteen, and how black America responded to the Beatles and Bob Dylan. Audio

Songs for kids that won't drive parents mad. There's Ya Ya from Lee Dorsey, King Kong Kitchie by Dan Zanes and Friends, Melon-Cauli Baby from Fane Flaws with vocals from Tim Finn and Plenty of… Audio

It’s often said that the early years of New Zealand pop recording were dominated by local artists doing cover versions of overseas hits. In this episode of Blue Smoke, Chris Bourke looks at the… Audio

Covering the arrival of rock’n’roll in New Zealand, the reactions of musicians, and the Twist phenomenon. Among the acts featured are Johnny Cooper, Johnny Devlin, Eddie Howell, the Keil Isles, Clyde… Audio

Chris Bourke brings in new music from familiar faces: Tim Finn, Whirimako Black and Ry Cooder. Audio

Covering early mainstream pop acts, small jazz combos, and the role played by radio in disseminating New Zealand popular music. It looks at the changes in pop radio, from the conservative approach of… Audio

Chris Bourke considers the changes in New Zealand’s nightlife during the late 50s and early 60s. Includes early recordings of New Zealand musical comedians, cabaret acts and solo artists including… Audio