Album Review: Gurrumul & The Sydney Symphony Orchestra - His Life And Music

Gurrumul has a habit of evoking an array of overwhelming emotions in a live setting that don't even exist in the toolbox of most performers; it's not unusual to feel humbled, inspired, sad, joyful, teary, reflective, naïve, curious and exultant within the space of a set. His Life And Music, recorded live with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Opera House to coincide with the May release of his must-read biography of the same name, is a thrilling piece of the live Gurrumul experience to take home.

Part educational tool, part work of great depth and beauty, Gurrumul's Yolngu Matha language songs are introduced by family members sharing a special invitation into the culture of his Elcho Island home. The growling of crocodiles, the music of ceremony, tales of wild cats and pythons and the sounds of his community and identity meet orchestral grandeur in a magnificent union of urban and rural Australia. New vitality is brought to Djarimirri as sweeping, uplifting strings and grounding brass rhythms recall the earthy sweetness that comes after a spring shower, making absolute sense as an Aunty explains, “He's singing about himself, how he was bought to the world and he's covered with rainbow.” Baru, the fun, upbeat, call-and-response story of Gurrumul's totem – the saltwater crocodile – is given a spirited, almost Latin reworking, while Gurrumul History (I Was Born Blind) – as moving as ever in its English-language insights – peeks through the orchestral movements to reveal the power that is simply Gurrumul, his voice and guitar.