Sounds Crafty: Al Fraser, The Woolshed Sessions

Top: Musician and craftsperson Al Fraser, photographed by Andy Morley-Hall.
Above and below: Al's handcrafted taonga puoro (Maori musical instruments).
Bottom: Tahu's self-titled album.

Check out other Sounds Crafty showcases on Felt:

• Julia Deans
• Urbantramper
• James Coyle, Hikoikoi
• Rosy Tin Teacaddy
• Forbidden Joe
• Mea Grenell
• ROY G & the BIVinators

Series 1 (2009):

• Ruth Carr, Minuit
• Flip Grater
• Fleur Jack, The Twitch
• Nathan King
• Hannah Curwood
• The Phoenix Foundation
• Hera

Wellington-based musician and craftsperson Al Fraser is a man of many talents. As well as performing with indie folk group The Woolshed Sessions, he plays his handcrafted taonga puoro (musical instruments of the Maori) with several other Wellington bands, including Tahu and Rosy Tin Teacaddy. Al shared some of his favourites from Felt and his thoughts on craft.

Did you make stuff when you were a kid?
No. Well, the odd kitset model airplane with bad gluing. Maybe made a bit of trouble too.

What's your earliest or most vivid craft-related memory?
I remember from about the age of 4-ish being looked after by Mum in her sewing room as she made clothes. She made children's clothes part time for a job. I used to play in the sewing chair that had a flip top seat.

Are you crafty or do you make stuff now, and if so, what do you make?
I make taonga puoro (Maori musical instruments) using bone, wood, stone and use other NZ materials for binding, decorating etc. I also make some stone jewellery.

Assuming time, materials and cost were no object and you were given the opportunity to make anything you wanted, what would you make?
Pukaea kohatu pounamu. A long pounamu trumpet. Dreams are free, right?

If you were a crafty superhero, what would your name and superpower be?
Super Duper Gran and my superpower would be knitting hats, scarves and mittens for all the cold orphaned children of the world.

Hot glue gun, needle and thread or hammer and nails?
All of the above.

Do you think craft suffers from pre-conceived notions of lace-covered coat hangers and toilet roll covers? If so, any suggestions for how craft can improve its image?
From seeing the local craft scene in Wellington, I reckon the current craft renaissance looks pretty snappy. Craft is the new black and all that. No improvement necessary. I quite like lacy coat hangers. Can I have one please?

What's the best handmade thing you've ever been given?
A nearly completed putorino (flute) made with traditional tools. It was made with bird bone and stone chisels, tuwiri drill, sanded with sharkskin and glued and bound with kiekie root. It looks stunning and plays really well.

Have you ever worn something you've made on stage or in public?
Yep. When I perform I sometimes wear a karanga manu that I made. It’s a stone bird caller made from serpentine.

If your music took physical shape what would it look like? What would it be made of?
It would look choice and be made of Goodness.

Why would you buy something handmade?
Quality. And originality.

What was the last handmade item you bought?
A green felted woollen vest with a Chinese collar from an op shop. I'm wearing it now and it is very cosy.

Are crafty girls/boys hot? Smokin’ hot.

If you're in the Wellington area, Al is playing on 19 June with Rhian Sheehan at the Wellington Opera House. If you can't make it to that, worry not – The Woolshed Sessions is available on Amplifier and you can check out Tahu on their website.

www.myspace.com/alistairfraser