womadelaide time again - another weekend of sublime music coming up
the city turning it on once again - clear skies, cool breeze, green grass
a bit of rain during the week perfectly timed to keep dust levels down
walking into the now very familiar botanical gardens again a treat
a stroll along pathways meaning the city is literally left behind
replaced instead with large trees, sculptures, plants and (dry) fountains
leading to an entry into the large area of the festival and a sort of homecoming
the organisers of the festival don't mess around with a successful formula
so everything is in it's familiar place - stages, food, markets, toilets, etc
and always hard to believe another year has passed since the last visit
friday evening tends to be for the hardcore all weekend pass holders
the locals i suspect preferring to keep it to one day passes for best value
so for the opening act it's a few hundred in attendance at front of stage
the lesson learnt on this so it's usually a relatively low key start
nothing different this year as the robed gentlemen amble on to stage 1
then take up position sitting cross-legged and with instruments in hand
several jerry cans seen on stage forming part of the percussion
apparently the cans themselves remnants of the desert war in 1967
now used to give this group their unique name and also their sound
first up is a very humble thanks for our attendance from their leader
then they gently launch into their set with an obvious eastern-based sound
a not unfamiliar sound of tabla drums, flutes and appropriate vocals
a chant like delivery, sound and rhythm that is immediately infectious
handclaps and vocal whoops mixed bringing to mind the music of tinariwen
the sound inducing a smile on a few faces as their music launches the festival
of course it is impossible for us westerners to understand their lyrics
but time taken between songs to provide an explanation is welcomed
the fine art of coffee-grinding the subject of one banter before the tune
vocal and lead duties are shared between 3 or 4 members of the band
each member in turn standing to come to the front of the stage as leader
some joyful dancing to be seen as each vocalist made the most of their time
a reminder also that the simplicity of music and dance important in their lives
which really had me thinking that this outfit was a perfect festival opener
genuine world music imported in complete form especially for the festival
an interested and receptive crowd acknowledging their contribution
the end of their one hour set bringing enthusiastic and thankful applause
the group too showing clear gratitude at the reception of the audience
mutual respect - womadelaide 2009 up and running very nicely
