iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Being the new year, I'm wondering if some of us here would like to make a try at improving our efforts at learning/playing WAL, NEAL, Wandjuk, Djalu and Groote styles? I know I'm keen, how about others?

I singled out Wandjuk and Djalu as individuals because their particular styles are quite different to how other Yolngu play, at least to my ears anyway. Cyril put up some clips of himself playing in the style of Wandjuk, I'm inspired and looking forward to giving it a shot myself! Also, Djalu's style... there's something so alluring about it, the soft tongue glides backed with power, the pops he gets in the air column.

And Groote style... we could probably break it down a bit into Anindilyakwa style which belongs to the island, and styles from the mainland originating from the Nunggubuyu etc.

Are there enough differences in "WAL" styles to warrant the acknowledgement of sub-styles within the area? What say you Kyle? When we say "styles" we could be as broad as we like encompassing technique, compositional subtleties, time.

Well, I'm just putting it out there, hope there's interest here.

Guan

Interesting idea Guan. I look forward to hearing some examples.

Regarding sub-styles within the "WAL" style I would say that yes, this definitely warrants acknowledgement. There are quite distinctive variations within the overtone absent playing styles from the broader WAL region - for example, compare the typical bouncy Beswick style with the vocal pulse heavy Wangga songs from North Peron Island (Rak Badjalarr). Also, of course there are personal styles - notably Blanasi's free jazz form as evidenced in "Arnhem Land Popular Classics" where his timing and complex rhythms are astounding - one of my favourites.

I'll try and get a few recordings done, but hard to find the time these days with a 2 year old and a heavily pregnant wife both of whom go to bed early!

Kyle

Errr... guess you mean "overtone-absent" ?

Mais oui!

Hey Kyle,

Goulburn Island sounds a bit different too, I have a recording by the Berndts on cassette, not sure if it is out on CD.

I better get practising!

Guan