Djarimirri

Untitled

Djarimirri (subtitled Child of the Rainbow) is the first posthumous album and fourth studio album from Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu. The album was completed just weeks before his passing in July 2017 and presents traditional songs and harmonised chants from his traditional Yolngu life with orchestral arrangements.

Background and release

Geoffrey Gurrumul Yunupingu is the highest selling indigenous musician of all time, having released three top five albums since 2008. Long-time musical collaborator and friend Michael Hohnen said "Last year, we sat and listened to these recordings over and over again, from beginning to end and piece by piece, pulling them apart and putting them back together until all elements shone. We had finished the incredible process, preparing to release it and then we lost him." adding "He was immensely proud of what we achieved on this album and it is an emotional experience for all of us to present this final enormous chapter in his story with this musical statement."

Bruce Elder from Sydney Morning Herald said the album is "a unique and hugely significant contribution to Australian music."

Paul Barr from Readings described the album as "A perfect fusion of traditional and modern, Gurrumul's unique voice evokes a contemplative mood in the listener and connects to Yolngu culture. The brilliant rhythmic arrangements are hypnotic and heighten the effect." adding "this album is a remarkable achievement."

Reception

Zoë Radas from JB HiFi's Stack Magazine described the album as "totally spellbinding" saying "Gurrumul's voice – renowned for its clarity and depth – soars solo and in dual harmonies alongside orchestral accompaniments (primarily deep strings, timpani, brass and mallet percussion) which mimic the way a didgeridoo's circular inflections comb through its drone of sound. The resulting rhythms, complex and conflicting, are always in orbit around the command of Gurrumul's voice."

Track listing

CD/Digital Download

1. "Waak (Crow)" - 5:08
2. "Galiku (Flag)" - 5:01
3. "Ngarrpiya (Octopus)" - 6:09
4. "Djarimirri (Child of the Rainbow) - 5:08
5. "Djolin (Musical Instrument)" - 5:56
6. "Marrayarr (Flag)" - 7:42
7. "Gapu (Freshwater)" - 5:21
8. "Djilawurr (Scrubfowl)" - 5:04
9. "Baru (Saltwater Crocodile)" - 5:50
10. "Gopuru (Tuna Swimming)" - 6:34
11. "Djapana (Sunset)" - 5:08
12. "Wulminda (Dark Clouds)" - 7:56

Release history

List of release dates, showing formats, label, catalogue and reference

Region	Date	Format(s)	Label	Catalogue	Ref.
Australia	13 April 2018	CD, Digital download, streaming	Skinnyfish Music	SFGU180413