Customer Reviews

The Art of the Didjeridu: Selected Pieces 1987-1997

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David Hudson is the foremost didjeridu player in Australia (and the world). He is of the Tjapukai tribe in Kuranda, North Queensland. "The Art of the Didjeridu" is a compilation taken from "Woolunda"(Jowelbinna, Frog Dreaming, Roo, Aircave),"Rainbow Serpent"(Bali Doo,Message Stick, Undara's Lava Tube), and "Gunyal"(Split Rock),plus tracks from his other collaborations. David Hudson also played the didjeridu solo for the "Survivor:Outback" theme and toured/recorded with Yanni on his "Tribute" album.

Hudson's connection with the didjeridu is phenomenal. He demonstrates total control and respect, makes it sing, cry, laugh, croak, become the hop of a kangaroo, the mocking cry of the kookaburra, the soft drone of nocturnal insects, guttural screams. It sounds even better with a pair of great speakers as the stereo really brings out the different channels and moods.

The didjeridu is a hollowed-out branch, traditionally one that had been eaten by termites. It was played exclusively by men of various Arnhemland (Australian Aboriginal) tribes and used in secret ceremonies and songs. In the modern world it has been exploited by "New Age" music, and sadly the only examples of didjeridu music that people often hear may not be authentic. The same applies for the didjeridus themselves that are sold in Australia and around the world. This is not true with the music of David Hudson.

I have made two dijeridus and have been listening to didj music for over twelve years, but Hudson remains the greatest. His music is sometimes more experimental than traditional, but he uses the didj as a tool to get in touch with his tribal past and to divine the sonic future. The music yields new discoveries and spiritual awakenings with every listen; it is entrancing and hypnotic, an excellent aid for meditation and reflection.

Yothu Yindi is another talented band from Arnhemland that uses the didjeridu in their music, part of which is sung in Yolngu. The Australian Aborigines possess a vibrant culture, religion, and music, and were traditionally close to the land. Poverty, alcoholism, racism and unfair treaties have stripped them of land and some of their dignity, but their music and culture still shines brightly thanks to efforts by artists like David Hudson and Yothu Yindi.

Hear for yourself the mystical sound of an instrument that is thousands of years old played by a true didjeridu master. This is an excellent album that all world music fans should own, as much for the quality of the music if not the cultural significance.

This THE David Hudson CD to get. A fine collection of his best work from the WOOLUNDA,RAINBOW SERPENT, and GUNYAL album,plus tracks from his other collaborations.

Few can play the didj like Hudson. He sounds dynamic, uplifting,and downright CREEPY,all at the same time.

I wish I could play like him.