Sixteen Haiku and Other Stories: NZ Edition

'Sixteen Haiku and Other Stories' is an ambitious project taken on by the group Sigmatropic and their Greek label Hitch-Hyke.

Back in 2001 Sigmatropic had the idea to create a sprawling and magical musical trip: a musical accompaniment to an imaginary journey. This album is based on the Japanese chopped up poetry style Haiku, in fact, the haiku of the great Nobel Laureate George Seferis, whose haiku poetry was an ideal inspiration to a musical adventure that involves all the elements of nature. The wisdom and simplicity of these short poems float around the embracing music in a carefree manner.

This is the English language version, featuring eighteen vocalists from diverse backgrounds and far flung cities who have chosen and sung their favourite Haiku. These artists include Cat Power, Mark Eitzel, Edith Frost, Alex Gordon (Lincoln), Lee Ranaldo (Sonic Youth), Laetitia Sadier (Stereolab), James Sclavunos (The Bad Seeds), Steve Wynn, Robert Wyatt and many more.

This NZ version also includes a limited edition bonus disc of remixes and alternate versions!

Akis Boyatzis, leader of Sigmatropic, has created an atmospheric musical odyssey that invites this poetry wordplay. An ethereal spell full of Spartan peaks and bleak terrains underpins the magical voiceovers, spelling out stories about colours, nature and the seasons. The soundtrack "feel" is grainy and mystical, and ideally compliments the masterful poetry.

Sigmatropic have created a wonderful musical document, a sensual cinematic soundscape adorned with a host of special guest vocalists, all bringing their own passion and meaning to the magical words of a celebrated poet and storyteller. Remarkable.