PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A PRE-ORDER – THIS ALBUM IS SCHEDULED FOR RELEASE ON 12 DECEMBER 2025.
Seventy-seven years after it was first recorded, Pixie Williams’ timeless voice returns to vinyl. Blue Smoke — written by Ruru Karaitiana on his way to war, recorded in Wellington on 3 October 1948, and released 26 June 1949 — was New Zealand’s first locally written, recorded, and commercially released pop song. It went on to sell 50,000 copies, topping the charts for six weeks, making Pixie Williams a household name overnight - arguably New Zealand's first pop star. Blue Smoke marked the birth of our recording industry.
This landmark reissue brings that history back to life with a unique double LP:
- Side A/B – For the Record: The Pixie Williams Collection – remastered originals, painstakingly restored from fragile 78rpm discs.
- Side C/D – The New Blue: Pixie Williams Reimagined – contemporary reinterpretations of Williams’ songs by leading Aotearoa artists, bridging generations and reimagining her legacy.
Collector’s First Edition:
- Individually hand-numbered
- Pressed on heavyweight clear and blue smoky vinyl
- Premium gatefold sleeve
- Exclusive foreword by Nick Bollinger (award-winning writer and critic)
- Liner notes by Chris Bourke (music historian and author of Blue Smoke)
This release continues the work of Blue Smoke Records, founded by Pixie’s daughter Amelia Costello, to preserve her music and the story of Aotearoa’s recording pioneers. As Pixie once said: “When you have music in your heart, it stays with you. Music will always live on.”
Own a piece of Aotearoa’s musical history – Blue Smoke returns on vinyl for the first time since 1949.
TRACKLIST
LP 1
For The Record: The Pixie Williams Collection
Ain’t It a Shame
Saddle Hill
Bell Bird Serenade
Senorita
It’s Just Because
Let’s Talk It Over
Sailing Along on a Moonbeam
Māori Rhythm
Best Wishes
Sweetheart in Calico
Windy City
Māoriland
Blue Smoke
Pixie – In Her Own Words
LP 2
The New Blue: Pixie Williams Reimagined
Saddle Hill feat. The Victory Dolls
Let's Talk It Over feat. Anna Coddington
Ain't It a Shame feat. Whirimako Black
Bell Bird Serenade feat. Rachel Fraser
Blue Smoke feat. Pixie Williams, Lisa Tomlins & Kirsten Te Rito
Sweetheart in Calico feat. George Young
Sailing Along on a Moonbeam feat. Amba Holly
Señorita feat. Lisa Tomlins
Māoriland feat. Kirsten Te Rito
It's Just Because feat. Deanne Krieg
Windy City feat. Louis Baker
INFORMATION
DROP034
Size: 12"
Weight: 180gm Heavyweight
Colour: Blue Smoke
Length: 2LP (33.3RPM)
Run Size: 150
