Raymond Marpin Guyula: yirdaki & mago master
BackThe recent passing away of one of Arnhem Land's greatest yirdaki players brings much grief to family, friends and the community of didgeridoo players worldwide. Rather than giving up, iDIDJ Australia is more determined than ever to press ahead with promoting Indigenous culture, arts and musical traditions of the Top End of Australia. The journey must continue to educate, advocate, and promote... if only to bring recognition and improved life outcomes, before it is too late, to those who have achieved mastery of a unique woodwind instrument from northern Australia. The show must go on... In the coming months, iDIDJ Australia will showcase exciting new talents as well as continue to support existing masters. Watch out for our artist-in-residence program for some of the finest instruments coming out of Arnhem Land. A new initiative at iDIDJ Australia will ensure 100% of proceeds from sales of many new works will go directly to artists to help with community development and to support livelihoods in remote communities in the Top End. We are proud to present Raymond Marpin Guyula in this special YouTube clip, the first for the internet. Marpin is a Djambarrpuyngu clansman who lives at Gapuwiyak (Lake Evella), or Gupawupa outstation to be more precise. He has performed with David Gulpilil's traditional performance group as well as Ramingining's Wak Wak Djunggi band. He has travelled far and wide as an in-demand didgeridoo player for ceremony and is never easy to find. Marpin is one of Arnhem Land's most versatile didgeridoo players who has a reputation as an expert yirdaki and mago player among fellow Arnhem Landers. We're justifiably proud and honoured to be able to bring Marpin's expertise to YouTube. Marpin's technical execution is not only of the highest standard, but his repertoire of song material and his diverse knowledge of playing styles drawn from all corners of Arnhem Land is arguably unmatched. This introductory clip starts with Marpin talking a little about his background... where he comes from, when he started playing yirdaki. This is followed by a demonstration of yirdaki playing using the personal instrument of his brother Roy Wuyngumbi of the Wagilak clan. This is a beautiful yirdaki from Gapuwiyak covered from top to bottom in red, black, yellow and blue duct tape. Although the mouthpiece inner diameter is a rather large 4 cm, Marpin still manages to get a good seal and plays with power and finesse. Next Marpin demonstrates Bungalinybungaliny style on a superb mago in F#-G fundamental. Listen carefully to his precise rhythm and patterning. It doesn't get any better than this. The second mago Marpin demonstrates on, a lower key instrument, is remarkable for the syncopated stop mid-way through his performance, which is repeated at the end. This is a very difficult technique which requires absolute concentration and an intimate understanding of time and meter. Marpin is the equal of David Blanasi, if not a more accomplished and versatile musician. It has been a privilege to sit with this Djambarrpuyngu man and to listen to his story and his musicianship. That he is missing his front tooth and still manages to kick arse with yirdaki and mago is simply the stuff of legend. Raymond's brother Russell Ngardayngarday was previously presented on YouTube. Check it out here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HwILGy1qP8
Category: People
Uploaded: July 21st, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
Author: ididjaustralia
Length: 06:43
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Views: 9,905
Tags: bungalinybungaliny didgeridoo didjeridu djambarrpungu evella gapuwiyak guyula lake mago marpin raymond yidaki yirdaki
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