Ondrej Smeykal - Solo Didgeridoo at LA Outback

Didgeridoo genius Ondrej Smeykal came by LA Ouback during his recent tour through the western US. We had a great time hanging with him and promoting both of his shows that LA Outback and Chad Butler put together. Here's a clip of a solo didgeridoo piece Ondrej performed in our Tiki Hut, which is becoming a happening spot to perform didj.



You can find heaps of other great clips featuring Ondrej Smeykal over on Youtube. If you want to pick up a copy of Ondrej's Didgeridoo Solo 1 or 2 stop www.laoutback.com to grab a copy.

Steve Roach and Hearts of Space Radio

The first time I remember hearing a didgeridoo was in 1988 on a syndicated radio program called "Hearts of Space". The music, by ambient electronic composer Steve Roach, is now a spacemusic classic titled "Dreamtime Return". And while the didgeridoo playing is a bit sparse on this double CD, it certainly struck a sonic chord in me that left a lasting impression.

Hearts of SpaceThese days I've been in communication with both Steve Roach, as well as the producer of "Hearts of Space", Stephen Hill. For those of you unfamiliar with the work of either of these two very talented and engaging fellas, I recommend that you visit their websites and take in what they have to offer.

I'm a long-time subscriber of "Hearts of Space" online where you can listen to over 700 one hour radio programs on demand. There are several shows dedicated to the didgeridoo, and the website is so easy to navigate. When you've got the time, visit www.HoS.com and hear what I mean.

Dreamtime ReturnSteve Roach has been a huge inspiration to me for many years, and "Dreamtime Return" is still one of my muses. It's the music I'm listening to as I write this, 20 years after hearing it for the first time. Steve has over 30 albums with an international fan base. If you have the chance to see him perform live don't miss it. Every show is completely improvised mixing electronic and acoustic instruments with found objects. His website is robust and you can support him directly by purchasing online while you're there. Visit Steve's site at www.SteveRoach.com

Steve Roach and Stephen Hill provided the original inspiration for my interest in the didgeridoo. This music keeps me somewhat grounded and fairly sane. Stephen distills the genre well by calling it "Slow Music for Fast Times". Thank you both so much.

Good vibes,

Barry
LA Outback
www.laoutback.com

Didgeridoo CD: Stephen Kent's New Work "Living Labyrinths"

Living Labyrinths is an improvised Solstice journey, a song of the moment with original real time processing designed and conceived for solo didjeridu by Gregory T. Kuhn and performed live by Stephen Kent, solo, on Didjeridu, Percussion and Processing. Living Labyrinths is the product of a series of unplanned conditions all lining up synchronously on the evening of the Summer Solstice, 2005 in Oakland, California’s Chapel of the Chimes - a mausoleum, designed by a series of luminary architects including Julia Morgan, that houses the remains of over 300,000 people.

The disc includes some amazing atmospheres that accompany Stephen's dynamic didgeridoo playing. There are some really unusual sounds that flow through out which make for nice surprises and the pieces develop. For those looking for more of Stephen's unique solo style, this disc has a number of pieces that you'll love as well.

To hear an MP3 sample or to purchase Stephen Kent's Living Labyrinths visit www.laoutback.com

Awesome Didjeridu CD: Ondrej Smeykal Didgeridoo Solo 2

Didgeridoo Solo II

by Ondrej Smeykal

The most anticipated new CD to hit the didgeridoo scene in many years! I'm writing this as I have my first listen and I couldn't be more pleased. Ondrej has been playing the didgeridoo for over ten years. His first CD wowed the didge community, and this one's gonna create an epic fan base for Ondrej. No one else plays didgeridoo like this! And if this CD doesn't stagger your sonic imagination then your probably dead. The four-fold cover is a didgipack made from recycled paper with artwork stone-printed by hand. Ondrej has also autographed each copy we have in gold leaf ink.

This CD spent weeks in my player as I couldn't get enough of it. To find our more about Ondrej visit his site www.smeykal.com/eng

To purchase both Ondrej's discs Didgeridoo Solo, and Didgeridoo Solo II visit www.laoutback.com for more info.

New Solo Didgeridoo CD by Jake Duncan

Sound Trigger's Memory is the title of this new CD by Jake Duncan in Oregon. At only 18 years old, Jake delivers solo didgeridoo riffs with confident yet soulful echoes of Ondrej Smekal and Tyler Spencer. Not an easy thing to do, but his raw talent and a professional approach to the recording and mastering allows this freshman effort to truly shine.

Jake tells us, "I have been playing didjeridu since I was 11 years old. I feel deeply privileged to have met some amazing people and didge players through this instrument and wish to thank them for being so open to sharing with me their techniques, advice, friendship, and support." Congrats, Jake, and I love the title as well.

Listen to and buy the Jake Duncan CD Sound Triggers Memory here!