Baru | Saltwater Band | 2007 Telstra Art Award video

The Saltwater Band hails from Galiwin'ku on Elcho Island, NE Arnhem Land, and is arguably Australia's hottest Indigenous sound at the moment. Songwriter and frontman Manuel Dhurrkay combines with the musical genius of Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu, who, incredibly, has been blind since birth. Gurrumul was formerly with Yothu Yindi band but today has created a successful solo career in addition to keeping busy with Saltwater Band duties. The rest of the band is made up of an array of musicians on lead guitar, bass guitar, drums, yirdaki and keyboard. Traditional dancers also form an important part of the Saltwater Band's line-up, as many of its songs are drawn from traditional ancestral themes and are rich in Yolngu symbolism and imagery. The song performed here is Baru (Crocodile) from the band's first album Gapu Damurrung'. Luke Djamanggi Bukulatjpi provides yirdaki accompaniment. All the guys are great blokes and good friends. Paul Dharrawi, one of the traditional dancers, was insistent that I keep his spearthrower after the gig as a momento. You're a good lad Paul! Acknowledgement and credits: Saltwater Band & Skinnyfish Music. Website: www.skinnyfishmusic.com.au