Label: Folkways Records – FE 4439 Series: Ethnic Folkways Library Format: Vinyl, LP, Album Country: US Released: 1953 Genre: Folk, World, & Country Style: Aboriginal
1949 documentary recordings of various Australian aboriginal peoples collected and published by Folkways. One of a kind. (VG+)
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.
Tracklist A1 Group From Yirkalla Mission District– Djedbang-Ari Song A2 Group Of Rirratjingu – Djedbang-Ari Song A3 Group Of Australian Aborigines – Djedbang-Ari Song A4 Group Of Wadamiri – Wadamiri Song A5 Group Of Wadamiri – Wadamiri Song A6 Aboriginal Songman – Maraian Chant A7 Didjeridu Puller With Rhythm Sticks – Didjeridu A8 Gunborg Singer – Gunborg Singing B1 Group Of Rirratjingu – Cloud Chant B2 Two Aboriginal Songmen With Didjeridu – Djerag B3 Maielli Songman With Gunwinggu Puller – Brinkin Wongga B4 Young Boys With Songman – Djarada B5 Group Of Wadjiginy – Myindi-Yindi Corroboree B6 Yirritja* And Dhuwa Moieties – Sacred Song
