Musicians in the world have certainly taken on as their own, the live and improvised didjeridu-dance sound of its Australian originators Wild Marmalade. But after experiencing Wild Marmalade’s Sunday show at Brunswick Heads, I’m convinced that none of them could really sound like, or sound as good as these highly skilled, Australian artists do when doing what they do.
Wild Marmalade’s core and founding members and drivers of its high-energy musical force, are Si Mullumby (Dream Drone) on yidaki (didjeridu) and Matt Goodwin on drum kit.
Si Mullumby (left) & Matt Goodwin (right)
These days, 14 years after Wild Marmalade began, you’re likely to find more than those 2 artists on stage.
‘Woodford Folk Festival Wild Marmalade’
I last caught a Wild Marmalade show at Woodford Folk Festival 2013/2014. There they were joined by Tijuana Cartel’s vocalist and flamenco-inspired guitarist Paul George. His guitar in the mix put Wild Marmalade’s sound much more up my musical alley than the straight didj/drum combo. But hey, that’s just me and my personal music needs.
Woodford Folk Festival 2013/2014
‘European Wild Marmalade’
Since then Wild Marmalade have been playing gigs and festivals throughout Europe with a different line-up of Australian musicians: Si Mullumby + Paul George with reggae/dancehall/hip-hop producer and musician Jake Savona (aka Mista Savona) on keys…
Jake Savona
and one of Australia’s top percussionists, the music machine who is Ben Walsh (Orkestra of the Underground – Scotch & Soda – The Bird – Crusty Suitcase Band – Circle of Rhythm)…
Ben Walsh
Since my musical needs are generally melodic ones, I’m especially sorry to have missed the European Wild Marmalade experience with Jake Savona’s melodies in its mix.
‘Brunswick Heads Wild Marmalade’
At the Brunswick Heads show on Sunday, Matt Goodwin and Si Mullumby were playing on their Australian home shores again. This time the duo was joined by Ben Walsh and another Australian multi-instrumentalist, solo artist and musical collaborater with many, Matt Ostila on jaw harp.
Ben Walsh
Matt Ostila
Wild Marmalade Always
No matter which particular artists you find on a Wild Marmalade stage, no matter the venue and no matter the crowd, two things seems to consistently be the same at every show:
1. the impressive level of musicianship and musicality of the artists, and how special that is to see and to hear live.
At the Brunswick Heads gig I especially appreciated the chemistry between Ben Walsh and Matt Goodwin.
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2. the musicians seem to successfully sense the individual nature and vibe of each crowd they’re playing to, and create a fluid journey of improvised sound (sometimes chilled, other times frenzied) which makes that crowd move, and feel happier for the experience.
Get a glimpse of the ‘Brunswick Heads Wild Marmalade’ experience on these video snippets from Sunday’s show...
Check out ‘Woodford Wild Marmalade’ with Paul George on video here.
Hear the sounds of Paul George in the Wild Marmalade mix with this dirty mp3 version of a track from their 2014 live album Flux.
Flux (2014)
‘Tyagarah Mosquito’ – Flux (2014)
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Finally for your own Wild Marmalade experience, for a taste of some uniquely-Australian music – find them playing live in the world where you next can.
Wherever that show is, you’re sure to find a 3rd consistent thing – Si Mullumby playing didjeridu. He’s the only member (core or guest) who’s played every show except one in their 14 year history.
