The Art of the Didjeridu: Selected Pieces 1987-1997

David Hudson

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 4, 1997)
• Original Release Date: October 14, 1997
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Black Sun Records
• ASIN: B000003P1F
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #262,915 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

About the Artist
Australian Aboriginal artist David Hudson is a world-renowned pioneer in the art of the didjeridu. A member of the Tjapukai tribe in Kuranda, North Queensland, he mastered the didjeridu and interpretive dances of his tribe at an early age. Armed with a profound understanding of the didjeridu, he possesses an exceptional talent of spontaneously creating/ performing multi-leveled compositions, as evidenced in his first solo recording, the highly acclaimed Woolunda: Ten Solos for Didgeridoo. It is regarded by many experts as a ground-breaking experiment in the creative possibilities of the didjeridu. His other recordings for Celestial Harmonies/Black Sun Music include Rainbow Serpent, Gunyal, and The Sound of Gondwana: 176,000 Years in the Making with Alan Dargin, Mark Atkins and Matthew Doyle.

Known primarily for his traditional styles and use of the traditional technique of circular breathing, Hudson is credited for taking the art form to a new level through an innovative combination of extended techniques and modern compositional ideas. So much so, his inventive use of voice, space and explosive blasts of sound have more in common with 20th century avant-garde music than ancestral Aboriginal music.

Hudson is co-founder of the Tjapukai Dance Company which, over the past decade, have become one of Australia's premier Aboriginal tourist attractions. Based outside of Cairns the group started offering short performances, expanded into a purpose-built theater and currently have developed Australia's first Aboriginal theme park.

Product Description
With the unprecedented interest in Australian Aboriginal culture and art, the ancient Northern Australian wind instrument - the didjeridu - has experienced an astonishing popularity and ever growing interest in the West. Whether it's the sought-after sounds and rhythms akin to nature or the varied interest in Aboriginal culture, the didjeridu speaks with an unforgettable primordial voice to all who hear it. With the vast array of intricate rhythms and otherworldly tone colors, the elaborate improvisations that result strike a deeply buried chord in the mysteries of creation which seems to resonate at the core of humankind.

Produced by longtime collaborator and producer Steve Roach, The Art of the Didjeridu: Selected Pieces 1987-1997 is a collection of timeless pieces spanning a decade in David Hudson's professional career. It features deeply rooted and rich Aboriginal traditions as well as innovative contemporary styles and compositions. The priceless contribution Hudson has made to the art of the didjeridu is the infinite musically creative possibilities of a traditionally one note ancient instrument.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The voice of the earth...., October 11, 2001

By	Veggiechiliqueen - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

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.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hudson's best!, November 17, 2000

By	John Kelley (Portsmouth, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews

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.