Aboriginal album The members of Bushfire belong to the Mowanjum community in the Kimberleys, Australia. The Aborigines of Australia had very little technology before the arrival of the English. This fact is reflected in their music. Other than the sticks which they clap together, the only instrument the Aborigines have is the didjeridoo. On this album, 24 songs are in the wonga style, meaning that they feature one or more male singers, clapping sticks, and a didjeridoo. The other 12 pieces are in the djunba style, featuring male and female singers, clapping sticks and clapping hands, and no didjeridoo. The songs are a bit monotonous unless you listen closely. The didj players do have different timbres. A good one is Christopher Fry, whose technique is throatier and more staccato than the other players. Unfortunately, Fry only performs on four tracks, the most memorable of which is the rhythmic "Black Cockatoo." The next set after Fry's, with didj player Collier Bangmorra, pales in comparison, especially because it is badly recorded: the sticks are too far forward and the songman and didj are too far back. The djunba songs typically start with a male singer, with a female chorus joining in after a few seconds. Once again, the songs tend to sound alike. This disc is only for the hardcore fan of Aboriginal or traditional music. Those curious about the didj should check out the Western group ...

Aboriginal music The Rough Guide music samplers serve to introduce sonic adventurers in the West (and elsewhere) to the music of seemingly far-flung or "exotic" locales. THE ROUGH GUIDE TO AUSTRALIAN ABORIGINAL MUSIC provides such an introduction, bringing together various traditions-tribal chants, regional folk, even electronic pop-of Australia's outback. Like all the Rough Guide compilations, the set is a valuable ethnographic document, but that shouldn't eclipse its musical worth. From didgeridoo-led rituals to thumping club music, this package takes listeners on a sonic trip that's both ear-opening and a great deal of fun.