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Having just released his 11th studio album, "Notes", Nathan Haines returns to Foliage Records with the freshest of fresh Fouk remixes of his single "Squire For Hire" featuring the unmistakeable spoken word of legendary Jazz vocalist, Marlena Shaw.

"Squire For Hire" originally appeared on Nathan’s album of the same name, and now, in 2025, Fouk’s debut Foliage offering delivers the perfect tonic, complemented beautifully with newly recorded saxophone parts from Nathan.

Hailing from Auckland, New Zealand, Nathan studied in New York in 1991, where he immersed himself in the worlds of jazz, hip-hop, and Latin music. These genres would become a huge part of his musical journey, showcased in his recordings & live performances.

In 1993, Gilles Peterson discovered Nathan playing in Auckland, and just a year later, his debut album "Shift Left" was released on Polygram Records in New Zealand. The album went on to win New Zealand Jazz Record of the Year, marking the start of a recording career that included notable albums such as "Soundtravels" & "Squire For Hire". It was during this time that Nathan established a formidable partnership with the late, legendary DJ/producer Phil Asher, a much-loved and deeply missed figure in the music world.

Fouk aka Daniel Leseman and Junktion (Hans Peeman) have been friends since childhood, and their individual successes as producers made their collaboration inevitable. While the outcome of such a partnership is never guaranteed, their unique house sound, infused with disco and funk, has proven to be irresistibly infectious.

In loving tribute to his dear friends Phil Asher and Marlena Shaw, who are sadly no longer with us, Nathan re-recorded all the horns and solos, crafting a remix with Fouk that truly honours their legacy and would make them incredibly proud.

Since his first self-produced album release "Shift Left" in 1994, saxophonist and producer Nathan Haines has been making music that mixes a dance floor aesthetic with jazz harmony. As well as making analog straight to tape jazz albums, he's collaborated with many international producers including Phil Asher, Masters at Work, Louie Vega, 4 Hero, Marc Mac, Chaos in the CBD, Atjazz and many more.

1. nathanhaines.com