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Ash’s mother, born in Mahia, was renown as a top soprano and was acknowledged
for her powerful vocal ability. His father was a great sax, trumpet player, and
vocalist. They were both key drivers in the early development of his
entertaining career. Ash comes from a family of 10. Five brothers and five
sisters with one adopted sister.
In 1976 his family came to Sydney to perform as “The Young Polynesians”
supported by the band “Soul Train.”
The group(s) performed on Channel 9 and throughout the club circuit of
Australia. Ash performed as a dancer - entertainer and lead vocalist for the
group.
Aged 11, His vocal ability was filled with an amazing
ability to sing and interchange dramatic octaves, which took him sounding from a
rumbling Barry White voice to Stevie Wonder high tenor to a sweet sounding
falsetto, that very few artist could reach. He perfected this vocal transition
over the years and further developed his own rich timber and vocal resin. He
sang as a tenor and lead soloist in the magnificent Hastings Stake Choir for
many years.
At the age of 19 he served a 2 year mission in the Philippines.
The Show has grown from a 7-piece band in the 90’s to a production cast of over
24 musicians and entertainers.
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Recently Ash has taken the challenge of singing and performing the great opera
arias of Pavarroti, and with an amazing emotional display of vocal power and
vocal range, he has always captured his audience with awe, often bringing them
to tears cheering for an encore with standing ovations at each performance of
Nessun Dorma.
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Ash enjoys singing and performing songs that have
challenged him to produce a vocal interpretation that is unique to every
performance that he does. This ability to sing great songs in his own style, has
lead the performance of Ash in Concert to be innovative and different at every
show.
He acknowledges that over the years he has been inspired by
great male voices
and talents of:
Luther Van Dross, Nat King Cole, Louis Armstrong, Barry White, Pavarroti, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdink, Isaac Hayes, Sir
Elton John, John Farnham and Teddy Pendergrass.
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In addition to these voices are his selection of female Divas, namely:
Aretha
Franklin, Donna Summers, Ruby Turner, Randy Crawford, Sade, Renee Gayer, Gloria
Estefan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billy Holiday.
Also favoured the group vocal sounds
of:
The Stylistics, The Platters, The Manhattans, Earth Wind & Fire, The
Commodores and The Supremes, only to name a few.
In relation to previous Maori and New Zealand born entertainers, Ash is
always quick to acknowledge that, “In terms of firm
foundations in entertainment, (he) cannot forget to mention that success in
entertainment could not exist without acknowledging those who have made it all
happen with class and professionalism from the very beginning namely:
John Rowles, Kiri Te Kanawa, Tui Teka, Billy T James, The Howard Morrison Quartet, AB
Phillips, Ricky May, The Original Maori High Five, The Maori Sheratons, The
Volcanics, The Shadracks, The Yandal Sisters, Herbs, Dean Waretini, Inia Te
Wiata, Adijah, and many many more...”
“...These great voices illuminated to me the need to
present a show with professionalism and to produce a performance of excellence
from a culture that is second to none.”
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Ash believes that in relation to music, groove,
melody and harmony,
“ You Can’t Get Enough...”
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IN MEMORY
This publication and performance of “The Tribute To Barry White Show, is in
memory of the late Mr. Barry White who on Friday July 4th, 2003 sadly passed
away. The entire world of Soul & R&B stood breathless as we all heard of the
great loss of Barry White aged 58. Barry White was Born September 12 1944 in
Galveston Texas. Although he passed away his music will live on and play on
forever.”
THANK YOU TO:
All the musicians and vocalists who have made this a memorable performance. A
special thanks to the many kind hands that have assisted in assuring a smooth
and seamless performance.
An endless thanks to “Te Whanau International” for their support and outstanding
professionalism.
Special Thanks...
I would especially like to thank first of all my wonderful family who have been
so patient and indeed my absolute support. “What more could a man ask for...”
I would also like to humbly thank and acknowledge God for blessing me with these
talents I have been able to develop and share deep from within my heart.
It is my sincere hope that you enjoy and continue to follow the flow, that my
love for music give you. I would like to thank “Ben Gilgen” my Musical Director
who was inspirational in bringing to you “The Tribute To Barry White Show & Ash
in Concert”.
The list of people to thank is enormous and is impossible to mention everyone,
as every single person that has been involved in my life have made their unique
contribution, whether small or large.
In English: 'Although small... To me it
is as sacred and special as the Greenstone.'
With All My Love
- Ash
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