Dramatico is proud to announce the release of Rrakala, the highly anticipated second album from Gurrumul Yunupingu, out on September 5th 2011.
Recorded at the old Power Station in New York, now AVATAR, and 301 in Byron Bay by ARIA Award nominee producer Michael Hohnen and engineer Anthony Ruotolo [John Mayer, Anthrax, Meatloaf, Mary J. Blige and Ron Carter], this second solo album retains the quality, purity and sound of his first but has this elusive artist delving into other genres and instruments within his own cultural context.
It follows in the footsteps of this multi ARIA award winning double platinum debut released in Europe in 2009, and inexplicably connects with the emotional psyche, this time even more deeply. Rrakala taps into old songs from Gurrumul’s band, his family's songwriting, his new material and presents a choice of songs that reflect deeper into his Aboriginal identity. Showcased for the first time are his exceptional skills on piano, drums, nylon string acoustic guitar, electric and acoustic guitars. By opening up further, this album reveals more of his rich vocal harmonies which creates a deeper, more complex and as he says "more cultural and spiritual body of work."
Album highlights include songs about longing, beautiful places, whispering trees, a funeral song and features Ulminda; a quasi-classical duet with Hohnen on bowed double bass and Gurrumul on guitar, singing about the mysterious power of the mind; indubitably a musical expression of their own connection.
Born blind, Gurrumul grew up as a member of the Gumatj clan on Elcho Island, off the coast of tropical North East Arnhem Land. This enigmatic musician first came to attention when he released his eponymous debut to international claim. His angelic voice connected with listeners worldwide including Elton John, will.i.Am and Sting who are big fans – having performed with Gurrumul in France Sting declared that he has “a voice of a higher being”.
The ‘Gurrumul’ album, which was the number 1 world music album throughout Europe on its release, has sold half a million copies worldwide and his music has become an international sensation transcending cultural boundaries. With Rrakala these boundaries are destined to expand into a broader consciousness.
Having performed to critical acclaim in Europe in 2009 Gurrumul will return for a run of eight dates in October 2011 visiting London Thurs 6th Oct Barbican.
For tickets details please go to www.gurrumul.com
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