Like no other instrument, the reverberating and guttural overtones of the didjeridu have come to signify the "
world music" sound. In movie
soundtracks and songs by such dissimilar "
world music" groups as
Trance Mission and
Robert Mirabal, the telltale tones of this end-blown aboriginal instrument can be heard and immediately identified. Originally made from eucalyptus branches hollowed out by termites, didjeridus today are manufactured out of everything from cactus limbs to pieces of plastic pipe. Despite its widespread use by serious musicians and novices alike, the didjeridu is not often heard in its original aboriginal Australian context, accompanying a singer. On the
Smithsonian release
Bunggridj-bunggridj: Wangga Songs, Northern Australia, the didjeridu does in fact appear in this accompanying role. Renowned aboriginal songman
Alan Maralung (1925-1990) performs eight songs with the help of didjeridu and staccato clapstick accompaniment.
Maralung was given these songs in a dream by the spirit Bunggridj-bunggridj. They belong to a larger genre of songs known as
wangga, which are performed throughout northern Australia by aborigines.
Wangga are personally owned
dance-songs that can be performed publicly in both non-ceremonial activities and such ceremonial contexts as circumcisions and purification rites. Recorded by
Allan Marett two years before
Maralung's death, these songs display the songman's improvisatory singing style and his use of clapsticks, as well as
Peter Manaberu's tasty didjeridu playing. A superb set of
field recordings that presents the rarely heard sounds of traditional aboriginal songs,
Maralung's
Bunggridj-bunggridj: Wangga Songs, Northern Australia will most likely appeal to listeners who are not afraid of opening up their minds to a world of new sounds and styles. A 44-page booklet written by
Marett and
Linda Barwick accompanies the CD and does much to elucidate the meaning of these cherished songs. ~ John Vallier
