By Rachel Hore, Independent release 2018
I always enjoy receiving independent releases because they often present something new and fresh.
A sound that isn’t constrained by the practices and prejudices of the recording industry.
Rachel Hore is probably best known in music circles as the founder, artistic director, and driving force behind The Pop Up Choir, a vocal ensemble that consists of everyday people who come together to enjoy the beauty of choral singing.
As their name suggests the choir can pop up anywhere and they are regulars on the folk and world music festival circuits, including the National Folk Festival that’s held at Easter in Canberra.
Wilurara sees Rachel in singer/songwriter mode and highlights what a wonderful voice she has.
The album title comes from the Western desert people who speak the Ngaanyatjarra language. It means ‘west’.
Wilurara is a delightful album consisting of 11 original songs, a number of which arise from Rachel’s experience of working with indigenous singers.
In the title track Rachel adopts some indigenous language and vocal techniques in the chorus.
She says: “Learning some of this language began to change the way I sang. New sounds entered my mouth, same way as the desert got under my skin.”
Rachel’s choral training is evident throughout the album. It’s particularly evident in the intricate harmonies of the backing vocals.
In the track, Faith, backing vocals take the place of much of the instrumentation.
Every track on Wilurara is great but I must make mention of two tracks in particular.
Australia is a song of warning about impending environmental catastrophe.
There’s an Indigenous perspective, and an historical one, but it is speaking to all of us now pointing out that time is running out and that “we’re all treading a thin line.”
The second track is Sunny Divan, which is dedicated to her nanna, Stella Jane Bunch.
This track brought tears to my eyes with its sincerity and beauty and reminded me of many times spent listening to jazz with my father.
Rachel has a foundation that financially supports Indigenous singers to attend the Big Sing in the Desert choral camp, which is held in the Eastern Macdonnell ranges near Alice Springs during April every year.
If you’d like to support it you can do so at: www.rachelhore.com and click on the button ‘Sponsor an Indigenous Singer”.
While you’re there why don’t you buy this wonderful album as well.
