The sounds of the desert

Head to Rozelle on Saturday August 7 for internationally acclaimed didgeridoo player Charlie McMahon

Ciao caught up with Charlie McMahon this week, who spoke passionately about the influences on his music and his love of art.

What can people expect from your appearance at the Kate Owen Gallery on the 7th August?
I generate didj rhythms for cello melody by Anatoli Torjinski who plays with fl ash outfi ts like the Australian opera. We play original music, the Gondwanaland songs, and some didj infused versions of classics by Beethoven & Khachaturian. I relate sometrue stories from my time with western desert artists like Willi (Nitjita) Tjungarrayi featured at KOG.

You have played at the gallery before. What do you personally like about the Kate Owen Gallery?
Seeing at KOG the works of desert artists I knew well brings back memories of amazing times. Also it is one of the few occasions when I play unplugged on the fl oor up close. It is also a good opportunity to demystify didjeridu. Since the 1990’s some modern myths have evolved concerning didjeridu outside its traditional area attributing to it spiritual signifi cance and gender taboos that really belong to the bull roarer.

Tell us a bit about how you started out playing the didgeridoo.
I saw Charles Chauvels flim Jedda in 1956. The didj playing and Aboriginal life fascinated me. And that was it as Aboriginal art was scarce and didjeridus were only played in Arnhem Land until the the 1980’s So I learning with no tuition my didj style is more original than Aboriginal. Its gone full circle. Some indigenous players have taken on my rhythms and technique.

What inspires your music?
Anything. Sometimes the rhythm of an action like a butterfl y or a spinning buckled wheel (we will play the wobble). Lately its been emotions from events in my life.

Are there any other artists in particular that you admire?
Prince, Mashy Pete, Paul Mac, Wild Marmalade, Stravinski, Warumpi Band, too many.

 

What does the future hold for you (in terms of your work/music/ generally)?
Presently I’m recording new album and how its received will be decisive. I am working more in ancillary areas. I have been aware for some time how the breath exercise of didj playing benefi ts people with respiratory ills like asthma and apnoea. I also work part time with folks who have autism spectrum disorders. Is has been revealing to learn how the minds music faculties can remain at high function when other areas do not.

■ Kate Owen Gallery
680 Darling St Rozelle sydney
Open from wednesday to sunday 11am-6pm or by appointment
www.kateowengallery.com / info@kateowengallery.com
9555 5283 / 0400 50 80 50