Chris Bourke
Blue Smoke: Beat Groups, Bobby Soxers and Bohemians
Rock’n’roll bands, teen pop and folkies... Chris Bourke looks at New Zealand’s pop scene in the early 60s. Audio
Blue Smoke: Combos and Comedians
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.
…Music with Chris Bourke
Chris goes back catalogue with the Stones and Keith Richards, with new Etta James and Randy Newman. Audio
New Music with Chris Bourke
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
Arts - Kiwi pop history
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
New Music with Chris Bourke
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
New Music with Chris Bourke
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
Douglas - Landscape of a New Zealand Composer - Episode 6
From the early years in the idyllic setting of Drysdale Station, to the dramatic landscapes of the South Island and the primordial terrain of the central North Island, this episode looks at the… Audio, Gallery
New Music with Chris Bourke
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
Blue Smoke: Kiwi Rhythm Calls
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
Douglas - Landscape of a New Zealand Composer - Episode 5
This episiode looks at the practical side of Douglas Lilburn the teacher, musician and mentor. His physical appearance and the onset of old age which affected his hearing, sight, and ability to play… Audio
Blue Smoke: Pie Cart Rock'n'Roll
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
New Music with Chris Bourke
Chris Bourke brings in new music from familiar faces: Tim Finn, Whirimako Black and Ry Cooder. Audio
Blue Smoke: Sunsets and Sunrises
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
Blue Smoke: After Hours
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
Music with Chris Bourke
Award winning New Zealand music historian Chris Bourke brings in an eclectic selection of new music for our listening pleasure. Audio
Kiwi Pop History
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 - gems on the LP of New Zealand… Audio
Music with Chris Bourke
Chris Bourke brings in new music by John Hiatt, a Latin party, and pop waiata from the recent past. Audio
Chris Bourke
Colette Jansen talks to Music Historian and New Zealand Post Book award winner Chris Bourke. They look back on Mavis Rivers, Julian Lee and Crombie Murdoch. Audio
Chris Bourke
Winner of NZ post Book of the Year for "Blue Smoke - The Lost Dawn of New Zealand Popular Music 1918-1964" speaks about his win and also review Randy Newman's recent Melbourne concerts. Audio