Recently opened gourmet Charcuterie 'Big Bad Wolf' at 262 Wakefield Street,

"Our building was Radio Corporation’s purpose built Columbus Recording Studio where the majority of Pixie’s songs were recorded under the TANZA label – and is where her most famous song ‘Blue Smoke’ was recorded. As the first record wholly written, recorded and produced in New Zealand back in 1948 – we are incredibly proud of the association.   In fact, we believe the recording studio where Pixie would have stood is actually my office,"  said Julie Powell, owner of Big Bad Wolf. 

"We knew the historical connection our building had with this recording, and adore everything about the remastered collection - from the songs themselves of course, to the beautiful story of their original making.  And in a twist of fate, I was actually involved in helping Blue Smoke Records on the remastering project – so it was even more important to me that Big Bad Wolf was able to share the story with our customers, and offer Pixie’s CD for sale. We also have a framed copy of one of the original 'Blue Smoke' Shellac records which has been signed by Pixie which is very special for us to have.”

So for a food and music match made in ‘smokin’ heaven’ – pop into Big Bad Wolf and secure yourself the best of both. Guaranteed to please.

Featuring several Pixie Williams remakes, the album has been 2 years in the making and will be available from www.amplifier.co.nz and iTunes.

Recorded on both sides of the globe, Mac travelled to the home of jazz and blues, New Orleans to work with songwriter and producer, Bud Tower to rework some of the lyrics and contemporise the songs.

Recorded in renowned Fudge Recording Studio, Mac was fortunate that co-owner of the studio, Shane Theriot (guitar frontman for the likes of Beyonce, LeAnn Rimes, Madeleine Peyroux, Willie Nelson and the Neville Brothers) was moved to join them in the recording studio when he heard the original Williams' recordings and the story behind the tribute.  An absolute legend on guitar, his contribution to the recordings are standout. Other outstanding jazz/blues contributions include Harry Connnick Jnr's band leader and trombone player Mark Mullins, David Tokanowsky on keys and the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra.

Crossing the globe back to New Zealand, several of our own standout musicians were employed to finish off the tribute. Our own jazz and blues Te Reo diva, Whirimako Black, lent her magic, and Dr Richard Nunns (internationally recognised authority on Maori instruments) played Putatara.  A haunting Karanga, courtesy of Ria Hall with backing vocals by Lisa Tomlins, Kirsten Te Rito and Rio Hemopo took 'Maoriland' to an entirely different level, and our own Black Seeds producer and steel guitar aficiando Dr Lee Prebble not only played, but produced the New Zealand component of the album.  

64 years ago Pixie Williams first stepped into a recording studio to record Blue Smoke and 12 other songs of the time. Remastered and released again in 2011, 2 years on, we hope you enjoy Shelley Mac's tribute to Pixie, and her version of these muscial treasures.

And on reaching the age of 84 she said, "Who me, you've got the wrong girl, I'm 21 and loving it!'

Pixie, who lives in a Rest Home and Hospital in Upper Hutt, suffers from Parkinsons but still enjoys singing and humming her way through the day. She can still carry a tune.

Winners will be determined by a panel of 77 influential artist and industry judges including Keith Richards, Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan, Suzanne Vega, Joshua Redman, Tori Amos, Michael Franti, Bettye LaVette, Del McCoury, Ozzy Osbourne, Shelby Lynne, Alan Light (Live From The Artists Den), Kevin Lyman (Warped Tour), Bill Bragin (Lincoln Center), Sara Beesley (Joe's Pub) Chris Diaz (Knitting Factory Entertainment), and Evan Schlansky (American Songwriter) and will be announced in April, 2012.

In addition to industry-determined Winners, music fans from around the world have until Friday, July 20, 2012 to cast their votes at The IMA Vox Pop Jukebox to determine the fan-selected IMA Winners.

On behalf of Music Resource Group, The IMAs, and our distinguished judging panelists, it is our pleasure to congratulate Pixie Williams on being nominated in the Reissue Album Category for For the Record - The Pixie Williams Collection 1949-1951 in The 11th Independent Music Awards.

Celebrating the democracy of creativity and meritocracy of talent, The Independent Music Awards honor exceptional independent artists traditionally ignored by mass media and big box retailers.

For the past 11 years, artists and labels from around the world have found new fans and prominence through The Independent Music Awards. Produced by Music Resource Group, publisher of the popular industry networking database The Musician's Atlas, and producers of the webTV series, Grooveable Feast, The IMAs uses its unrivaled access to performance, promotion & distribution opportunities to connect Winners and Nominees to new audiences and revenue opportunities.

This year, more than 300 exceptional self-released and independent label artists, as well as former major label acts, were named by Music Resource Group (MRG) today as Nominees in The 11th annual Independent Music Awards (The IMAs), the influential awards program for independent bands and fans.

Representing the broad spectrum of today's global independent music scene, the Nominees in over 70 Song, Album, Music Video and Design categories were culled from thousands of submissions from North America, South America, Asia, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Europe.

Details and complete list of Nominees and Judges are available at TheIndependentMusicAwards.com

Really, they really said that?  I can't believe it! They really think it was that good?  Wouldn't the guys be thrilled! Tell them thank you from me!

So from Pixie and Blue Smoke Records to the reviewers and interviewers who have shown their interest, respect and love for the music of Pixie Williams ...THANK YOU!

For the Record received another ***** 5 STAR review from Martyn Pepperell in this months' Rip it Up Magazine.

Such an amazing achievement in New Zealand's premier music publication. Pick up your copy TODAY. 

I grew up listening to the sound of lap steel guitar being played by my grandfather so when I heard For the Record - The Pixie Williams Collection it took me back to my childhood. There's some classy lap steel on the album but it's Pixie's voice that completely amazes. It's soulful, earthy and sophisticated. Amazing to think she was only 17 when she recorded Blue Smoke. For me, the entire album is a sweet reminder of the past. Right at the end Pixie adds a few speaking lines about what music means to her. She says "music will always live on" and hers does so beautifully.

This fabulous review is available to read in its entirety in Issue no.102 of Mana Magazine. Pick up your copy TODAY and visit their website for stockist details by clicking HERE.

The reviews this month continue as Pixie's album has a fantastic write up by Kate Mead in the NZ Home and Garden! Read the simply lovely review here (click to enlarge)!

In this months issue of FishHead Magazine 'For the Record' received its first 5 STAR ***** review from Martyn Pepperell. (Click to enlarge)

The review is beautifully written! A huge big shout out and thank you to Martyn and the team at FishHead!

The fantastic reviews continue with NZ Home and Garden writer Kate Mead. Please see the following news article for more info ~ simply lovely.