Customer Reviews

Jamu Dreaming

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As I travel I listen to the stories of my memories. Sometimes I listen to books recorded onto audiotape. I almost always have Archie Roach albums as well, because the storytelling in many of his songs is historical informative and so personally evocative that I can listen to them again and again. Particularly appealing is the sense of hope and joy that emerges from stories of ethnic persecution and personal trials. As an American Indian I am familiar with the many, many sad stories told by and about us in the United States. Yet there is also the great healing power of humor...of love...of survival. Sherman Alexie's poetry and stories capture this great combination, even as the musical storytelling of Archie Roach does. This is good medicine for the soul.

His music is him, as I have had the opportunity to journey through some of his life with him and his wife Ruby, I also grew up with his Uncle and sat with Ruby and wiped her tears when Archie was having a rough time. I was there the first time they ever sung in front of people, and saw Archie's house full of Aboriginal children he had fostered and adopted. And remember Ruby ringing one day saying I'm nervous Paul Simons is coming to visit us and I can only give him vegemite sandwiches we don't have any money" I said Ruby you two have everything to give that is more important than a sandwhich.And give unconditionally they have.

Archie Roach is an outstanding artist from Australia. He is an aboriginal singer and song writer sing about his people and the bush.

Just a beautiful, sweet sounding album. Crystal acoustic guitar, glorious piano, brilliant melodies and arrangements. I love Archie's vocals and there is some real nice backing vocals as well. There is a Garden is an epic masterpiece but all the tracks are fantastic.

May appeal to people who like classic Paul Kelly. Gotta be worth a go for anyone who likes Oz music.

"Jamu Dreaming" begins and ends with two songs featuring Archie's signature motif of sorrow mix with hope; yes, there is weeping in the forest, but there also is solace in the garden. "Wild Blue Gums," as track 7 of 11, sustains the flora theme that reminds us of the seasons of life, in which spring follows winter and that what was barren is now heavy and colorful with foliage.

"Mr. T" is one of those songs that I warn newcomers about; it's a song that's likely to produce tears (yet "tears can sing and joy shed tears," Bruce Cockburn wrote). "Love In The Morning" is a wonderful, suggestive wake-up song. "So Young" is a song that many parents (especially wannabe and expecting parents) can cherish. I listened to it for 12 years, imagining what it would be like to have young children playing in my home. Now I'm a father and celebrate youth's spontaneous exuberance.

Of Archie's first four albums, this may be the best set of story songs. The musicianship is fine, but Archie's lyrics and superior vocals are upfront and center. Let us join him in a garden and listen to what he tells us. Then let us get back to our gardening.

Excellent album, one of my all time favorites. All of Archie's albums are very good, but Jamu Dreaming is an true classic.