Friday 11th March 2011
http://www.womadelaide.com.au
Exciting sounds quickly grabbed the attention once inside the venue, with Egyptian/Sudanese band Rango blazing away on Stage 1 to a large and appreciative crowd. The infectious, driving rhythms had many on their feet and dancing, with huge smiles on their faces. They bring back to life the almost lost music of a spiritual past and present it in a way that captivates and excites.
Then, on Stage 3 came Sweden’s Wildbirds and Peacedrums, husband and wife team, singer Mariam Wallentin and drummer Andreas Werliin. The unusual sounds and pulsing rhythmic drive took the audience to new places and the Adelaide Chamber Singers added another dimension with some wonderfully ethereal harmonic backing.
Back on Stage 1, popular Australian duo Angus and Julia Stone kept their fans happy with their particular brand of guitar and vocal harmony styling, accompanied by a band on this occasion. Their light indie pop music drew a huge crowd of younger listeners.
Finally, I moved to Stage 2 for Nathalie Natiembé’s rich and expressive voice. Hailing from the island of Réunion she blends a number of styles and, backed by some fine work from her trio of keyboards, bass and drums, she sang to a continually growing crowd.
This was a successful and most enjoyable start to this year’s Womadelaide and the Souvenir Guide shows that there is much more great music and dance still to come.
Reviewed by Barry Lenny, Arts Editor, Glam Adelaide.
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