Various Gadigal Artists – Making Waves

Making Waves – Various Artists

By Aidan Roberts

It has now become a very well-known mantra in Sydney and abroad to publicly acknowledge the traditional land-owners of the area known as Gadigal, or Sydney. This CD, an initiative of the ABC, Arts NSW and the Gadigal Information Service, takes the sentiment a step further and presents a compilation of entirely indigenous music from our fair city. Whilst focusing on exposure for a wide range of artists and giving everyone a go, this CD does maintain a level of aesthetic and quality control, delivering a consistent and enjoyable collection of songs. Mostly populated with the strains of singer-songwriters of a roots or country tinge, some surprise treats include the beautifully understated Bleeding by Glenn Skulthorpe, and the revivalist blues rock of Dan Sultan’s Money. The best track by far is the swaggering heat of Leah Flanagan’s Tipsy Tango, and there’s even a cameo from Idol-winner-turned-obscure-rocker Casey Donovan. The compilation is paced well enough that the songs all seem to come from the same place – which they do essentially. It’s a heartwarming mash-up, to be welcomed by the music community with open arms.

***