Another Nova Pocket piece (2000(, this time a cha-cha featuring "thongophones and alto sax. The thongophone solo is played by the composer of this piece, Paul Tanner.

Pockets

Washboard Cha Cha

Vi Chitty was a Yamatji indigenous elder who began Aboriginal Radio in Western Australia in 1978 presenting a weekly half hour program at Radio 6NR in Perth. Aunty Vi was an engaging singer, songwriter and storyteller who felt strongly about her heritage and the future her people.  From 1979 to 1985 I worked as a radio journalist training indigenous broadcaster and worked alongside Vi, Ken Colbung and many other contributors to AB Radio as it was known back then. 1979 was the year Western Australia celebrated its sesquicentennial and Vi wrote and recorded this song, Awakening as something of a lament for the celebration her people couldn't share at this time.

Awakening

I recorded with Merv Graham (aka Billy Warner) at the same time (1979) as with Vi Chitty (also here on my SC page. Merv is an indigenous singer songwriter who in 1979 was living in Perth. He was only in his late teens when he wrote this song - his response to Western Australia's 150th anniversary. It shows what a mature and talented songwriter he was at this point. Merv was also a fine guitarist who in '79 was studying jazz at the local academy.

150 Down the Line

Rita Menendez is a Mexican-born singer living in Perth. In the late 80s we played together in the Rita Menedez Group along with guitarist, Tim Chambers. I played soprano sax on this one. Rita was a classically-trained singer, who, as well as having a finely tuned ear for folk latin music, was also a gifted songwriter. This is a song written by Argentine singer songwriter, Atahualpa Yupanqui. There's a political edge to this ballad: 
"I have so many brothers.. That I can't even count them
And a beautiful bride... That is called Liberty".

Drumming Hearts

Los Hermanos (Atahualpa Yupanq

Rita Menendez is a Mexican-born Australia singer songwriter. she wrote Blossoms of Your Heart in the 1980s whilst working on residency with with the Western Australian Union movement. As a result of the residency, she release a cassette album, Arafura Sunset. This is a tender song about the gems of childhood learning through a teacher's eyes. This song features Tim Chamber (guitar) and me on soprano sax.

Blossoms of Your Heart

A variant on an iconic bebop tune given a playful lyric by songwriter/guitarist, Steve Barnes. Tripod is a three-legged cat "with a most undignified name". The clarity and accuracy of Ros Barnes' vocal here is artful and the lyrics are pretty playful. I'm soloing on alto sax here with my friend, Ross Bolleter on accordion.

Patterns in the Sand

Tripod

A track from their their 1992 album, Patterns in the Sand, this is a languid ballad about surviving a hot Australian summer. Written by Steve Barnes for the vocals of his wife, Ros. Also features Ross Bolleter on piano, Gary Ridge - percussion, Bob Thompson - bass and myself on soprano sax.

Sea Breeze

This a Balkan-inflected medley played by an early 90s group, Language, who were led by Italian guitarist, Diego Bosco. Sadly, it's the only recording we made together. My solo midway is features the lesser-heard sopranino saxophone.

Music of Mark Cain

Oi Dada/Kopanitsa

This is an ancient Finnish Karelian wedding song learnt from the Karelian band, Värttinä, sung here by Estonian singer, Kristiina Maalaps with Australian band Eastwinds, The song is drawn from Rune stories of the Kalevala epic. The extendable didgeridoo played here by Sanshi is very low pitched (low G).

Eastwinds

Kyla Vuotti Uuta Kuuta

Apart from my melody played here on soprano sax, this piece is essentially a feature for my "poly duduk" (an Armenian-inspired double reed instrument) designed by Australian reedman and instrument maker, Linsey Pollak. The double reed is made by flattening a piece of 13mm polypipe, an idea conceived by Spanish instrument maker, Xavier Lozano. I've tried in this piece to create something of a spacious and mantric quality.

Grace (Mark Cain)

Mark Cain

Related tracks