Ko Noel Kaa Reid Ahau
Ko Karioi te maunga
Ko Aotea te moana
Ko Pakarikari te whenua
Ko Ngaati Ngaahia, Ngaati Paretaikoo, Ngaati Patu Poo ngaa karanga hapuu
Instrument/s: Flameno Guitar & Percussion
Music Influences: Latin Jazz, Flamenco, Metal, Funk Soul & R&B etc.
Musical Aspirations: “To share music with everybody and to nurture future musicians”
Noel is the lead percussionist for the band. Although Noel’s intro to music was performing heavy metal in school, he ended up learning classical music but it was the Gypsy Kings who introduced Noel to the rumba genre. Noel began doing gigs with this style of music, which connected with his rhythmic personality and he began to study the technique and rhythm of flamenco music.
Noel has done session work with other artists in NZ including the Hamilton Hispanic Society. His involvement with HHS resulted in a special acknowledgement for twenty years of service.
As the longest standing member of the band, Noel often helps with the musical direction of the band and is hoping to release more of his own flamenco styled projects in the future.