Here is what John Archer, (a noted compiler of New Zealand music, and a songwriter in his own right), and Tony Ricketts (another excellent New Zealand songwriter), had to say about our CDs, which were released in 1999:

Fields of the Gum (CD)
Bill and Kath Worsfold

"Fields of the Gum is a beautiful CD, that includes several old 'gum' songs, as well as many others written recently by Bill and Kath, with great playing and great recording, the latter by my old friend Kerrin. 'I Only Spoke Portuguese' is, I think, the best 'traditional' folk love song since 'Buller to the Grey'. Try and get a listen to this, even buy it without listening first; you will not be disappointed." (Review by Tony Ricketts)

('I Only Spoke Portuguese' is the story of Bill's great-grandfather, Jose Luis Santini de Souza, who was befriended by a Northland Maori tribe after he jumped ship from an American whaler.)

New Zealand Tour (CD)
Bill and Kath Worsfold

"Bill and Kath have collected some great songs south of the gum-fields too. Together with 19th century ballads like 'The Black Swans' and 'The Wellerman', they have new versions of 'Scrub and Blackberry' and 'Taranaki Spring', and also songs I have never heard before and fell in love with as soon as I heard them, like 'The T.T.Line', and 'Working For The Roads Board'." (Review by John Archer)

School Show Reviews

Here are some recent comments about our school shows:

From the Auckland area:

"We all agreed that it was one of the best shows we have had."
G. Scott, Gladstone School, Mt. Albert.
(Medieval Minstrel Show)

"We enjoyed the spontaneity - it was great! Thank you and hope to see you again."
E. Boucher, Macleans Primary School, Bucklands Beach.
(Colonial Heritage Show)

"An excellent show which reinforced what had been taught as well as expanding knowledge."
S. Buchanan, Newton Central School, Auckland.
(World of Music Show)

From the Gisborne and Hawkes Bay areas:

" . . . very high standard. We appreciated the good musicianship. Able to be easily used to support the Social Studies programme. Excellent."
A. Frater, Ongaonga School, Hawkes Bay.
(Colonial Heritage Show)

"Great show - good factual historical information presented in an easily understood way."
C. Murton, Te Hapara School, Gisborne.
(Colonial Heritage Show)

From the Waikato area:

"All staff wanted it conveyed that you were really terrific - excellent children involvement. Thanks."
P. Parsonage, Te Kauwhata Primary School.
(Bill and Kath's Fabulous Fun Show)

"Excellent impact. Children responded really well . . . excellent value for money."
F. Gavin, Firth School, Matamata.
(World of Music)

"Excellent range of instruments - good involvement of children. Even some of our 'problem' listeners were attentive."
J. A. Blyth, Manawaru School, Waikato.
(World of Music)

"Very motivating, interest maintained, professional."
H. Putt, Lichfield School.
(World of Music)

From the South Island:

"The best musical educational visiting act I have ever experienced as far as participation and enjoyment."
Derek Taylor, Highfield School, Timaru.
(Colonial Heritage Show)

"Fantastic variety of performance arts skills demonstrated."
W. Oats, Mosgiel West School, Mosgiel.
(Bill and Kath's Fabulous Fun Show)

"The challenge of covering all age ranges - from pre-school to Form 2 - was well met. Good audience participation!"
S. Davey, Lake Rotoiti School, St. Arnaud, Nelson.
(Colonial Heritage Show)

To book a "Bill & Kath" show, contact us by email or phone (details below) or check out the Bookings page.