AUSTRALIAN CDS

   The sound of the native Australian aboriginal instrument the didjeridu continues to spread: Michael Hagmeier lives in Portland Oregon and combines the traditional aboriginal style with American ideas such as new age and humor - yet doesn't add electronics or percussion devices.

 Who wouldn't be attracted to a cd with song titles like 'Dervish in Bunny Slippers' or 'I'm an old Didj Hand'?

  Cut #10, 'All We Are', is an especially notable, excellent example of the powers of circular breathing to maintain a long-standing drone -  the same theme is maintained throughout - while 'Gnome' holds over 10 minutes of continuous sound.   If that isn't circular breathing, Michael must have amazing lungs.

 DIDJERIDU ECSTACY manages to be both traditional and non-traditional at the same time: a lovely piece and fine change from the norm.

 Stephen Kent is California's top didjeridu player, which is a bit like being the top blues harmonica player in Western Australia, except you get to play for more people.

 OIL & WATER is Stephen's most realized recording to date: he's gotten to play with so many visiting musicians from throughout the world that he has absorbed many different musical styles and met many collaborators, and this really shows up on OIL & WATER.

 The music holds influences form Africa, the Middle East, the British Isles and many other places as well as Australia of course (the original home of the didjeridu).

 His backup musicians are first rate. At one point I thought we were listening to a West African drum troupe with the didje floating over it, but a check of the liner notes showed it was Peter Valshmis and Stephen overdubbing themselves. Fooled me! (I love that), being as OIL & WATER is a tribute to different world cultures.

 My favorite song title is cut #10, 'Ya Rabbi Bil Mustapha'.... think about it. Just when I thought I never wanted to listen to a full cd of didjeridu music again, along comes OIL & WATER to kick my awareness. Thanks Stephen!