Last year Sydney’s Vivid Festival contained a performance from one of Australia’s most enigmatic performers.
Born blind and notoriously shy, Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, known as Gurrumul, has performed for rulers of nations and sell-out crowds since the release of his debut album in 2008.
The Vivid show, recorded live for His Life And Music, was a night that steeped the audience into the artist’s culture.
Long-time music collaborator/producer and double bassist Michael Hohnen acts as master of ceremonies for his softly spoken friend. However, the majority of speaking on the album is done by Gurrumul’s family members, who give the background stories to the singer’s songs.
The most striking tale is that of ‘Djilawurr’, a song about a woman who was thrown overboard after committing an unknown crime and her spirit becoming a djilawurr (bird).
Gurrumul’s soulful voice soars above the strings and horns of the orchestra with all the power he is known for. Singing in the Yolngu language of his home in Arnhem Land, it’s easy to get lost in the rhythms and melodies.
The most adapted song of the album is ‘Baru’ with the orchestra stressing the original’s slight Spanish feel and turning the track into an all-out fiesta. However, Gurrumul purists may not be too happy with the adaptation, as the orchestra overpowers the singer at points.
Mixing Gurrumul’s soft songs with an orchestra at times detracts from the intricacies of his music. However, the history lessons provided by his family will allow fans to immerse themselves in the artist’s life.
