Gina Williams Noongar Language Album Release
Gemma Robins
The launch of the much anticipated Noongar language album and songs titled Kalyakoorl (which means Forever) by singe Gina Williams and guitarist Guy Ghouse, 2013 WA Music Industry (WAMI) Awards Indigenous Act of the Year on Friday 4 April at the Fly by Night Musicians Club in Fremantle.
According to Williams “There are less that 250 full Noongar language speakers left – we’re beyond critically endangered, and in terms of the fight for survival I think this music is a really beautiful weapon of choice.” Noongar language is only spoken in the south west corner of Western Australia. This album was written, recorded, mixed, mastered entirely on Noongar country, using local musicians and creatives, so it is a rare and uniquely West Australian product.
Koorlangka is informed by four principles of Ballondong culture (one of the 14 clan groups which make up the Noongar nation) Koort (heart), Boodja (Land) and Koorlangka (children and legacy). According to Uncle Tom, based in Kellerberrin, who has been a powerful and much loved influence in Gina’s musical journey, “if you can get those things right, the rest will fall into place.”
Kalyakooryl features the extraordinary talents of Russell Holmes (Piano), Roy Martinez (Bass), Arunachala Satgunasingam (Percussion) and introduces Gina’s daughters Lauren and Bella McGill (backing vocals) and was recorded, mixed and mastered at Crank Studios with Lee Buddle (Katie Noonan, Joni in the Moon, Kelly Clarkson, Justin Bieber).
Guy Ghouse and Gina Williams. Photo by Gareth Anderson
