Catalog

Tribal Music of Australia

Various Artists

This 1949 field recording features songs from several aboriginal tribes in Australia, most of which feature the didjeridu (didgeridoo), a wind instrument which produces a low, droning sound, and rhythm sticks. Each song is led by a "Songman," who either inherited the song or composed it himself. In aboriginal Australian culture, it is not permissible to sing or perform a song without the consent of the tribe's "Songman." The liner notes explain song meanings and contexts, and provide translations and descriptions of the dances that accompany the music.

Track Listing

101	Djedbang-ari (1) Group of men from Yirrkala District	02:30
102	Djedbang-ari (2) Rirratjingu songman and didjeridu puller	01:29
103	Djedbang-ari (3) Yolngu men and women	01:11
104	Wadamiri (1) Warramiri men and women	03:04
105	Wadamiri (2) Warramiri men and women	02:28
106	Maraian Chant Yolngu man	01:19
107	Didjeridu Didjeridu puller with rhythm sticks	03:10
108	Gunborg Singing Didjeridu puller, singers and dancers from south of Oenpelli region	02:28
109	Cloud Chant Rirratjingu songman with didjeridu puller, rhythm sticks	04:09
110	Djerag Two Aboriginal songmen with didjeridu	02:41
111	Brinkin Wongga Gunwinggu songman and didjeridu puller	02:54
112	Djarada Aboriginal songman, two young boys	00:34
113	Nyindi-Yindi Corroboree Wadjiginy dancers, songman with didjeridu	03:05
114	Sacred Song Yolngu man	01:33