Review: Bryget Chrisfield. Photos: Laura Manariti
It doesn’t get much better than celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week with Emma Donovan and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Aaron Wyatt, a Noongar man.
Composer James Henry’s musical Acknowledgement Of Country opens proceedings. Later in the show, Donovan points out Henry – who also arranged tonight’s rendition of Archie Roach’s “Wash My Soul In The River’s Flow” – is Jimmy Little’s grandson.
We hear a recording of Aunty Pauline giving Donovan a family update and asking when she’s coming home. Then Donovan discusses the profound connection she has to her mother’s Gumbaynggirr Country, where the Nambucca River meets the Pacific. She often returns here to reconnect, bathe and cleanse in the fresh water, taking her daughters, Kwilena and Jirriga, along since they were born.
Take Me To The River, Donovan’s latest record, pays tribute to the timeless soul repertoire that first inspired her to sing. Snippets of footage from this song’s accompanying film clip, directed by Claudia Sangiorgi Dalimore, is projected on 11 strips suspended from the fly system.
Emma Donovan – Take Me To The River (Official Music Video)
This title track, bolstered by jubilant brass and a section sung in Gumbaynggirr, immediately sets the tone for this evening.
Donovan tells us her dad, a Naaguja and Yamatji man, is in attendance this evening – “all the way from Western Australia”. She called Naarm (Melbourne) home for many years and Donovan expresses gratitude towards the Wurundjeri people, especially Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter, who took her under their wing.
Some between-song banter sections are backed by soundscapes, as trickling water and birdsong – including squawking cockatoos – transport us to Nambucca.
Donovan’s setlist is peppered with memories about her family, including her nan’s uncanny ability to “split” storms and “make them go another way”. “I Can’t Stand The Rain” follows, Donovan’s husky timbre nailing every chorus leap and sustained high note. Her voice truly is the most magnificent instrument up on stage.
“When I love, I love too hard,” Donovan bemoans, before pouring her accumulated heartache into “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man”. She’s a sucker for a heartbreak song, Donovan admits, but has made a concerted effort to also include some songs celebrating love. Kylie Auldist, affectionately known as “Melbourne’s High Priestess of Soul”, joins Donovan on stage for “Love The One You’re With”. Their shared affection and admiration is palpable.
“Aboriginal woman is here to stay,” Donovan belts, over shivering strings and minimal backing. This tribute to her late mother is flanked by an elegantly arranged “Blowin’ In The Wind”.
Booming brass, thunderous drumming and seedpod rattles elevate “Eyes On The Prize” – a standout, bombastic moment to close out Act I.
After interval, Donovan takes the stage with ukulele in hand for Yibaanga Gangaa (Sweet By & By), sung mostly in Gumbaynggirr. Before “Grandma’s Hands”, she reflects on her biggest singing inspiration, her own nan, whose custard tarts were legendary.
The brilliant BV duo, Georgia Corowa and Eilla Appo, score solo parts during “Freedom Highway” and cannot conceal their excitement over the thunderous applause that follows.
Donovan pays tribute to Roger Knox, reminiscing about sharing cassettes of his music within her family circle, handled “like Gold”. Paul Dempsey joins her on stage to perform “Bridge Over Troubled Water”. During “A Change Is Gonna Come”, Donovan’s vocal performance is impassioned and full-throttle – showstopping.
Alex Turley’s arrangements are stunning throughout. Bassist David Symes also acts as Musical Director – aha! That’s probably why he was upstanding and making targeted eye contact several times this evening. Donovan’s band is rounded out by Victor Jesus on guitar, Clio Renner on keys and Danny Farrugia on drums, all of whom bring their A-game.
“I’ve waited forever to do this show, ay?” a tearful Donovan acknowledges, adding she feels “very, very spoilt” to be backed by our very own MSO.
There’s a genuine encore, which kicks off with Donovan solo, before the entire ensemble joins in on “The Promised Land”, a song written by Donovan’s grandfather, Micko, in 1972.
Can Emma Donovan x MSO – plus a few select guests – be an annual concert event, please?
Setlist
Take Me To The River
Here Comes The Sun
I Can’t Stand The Rain/ Do I Need You?
Do Right Woman, Do Right Man
Love The One You’re With
Blowin’ In The Wind/ Aboriginal Woman
Eyes On The Prize
–Interval–
Yibaanga Gangaa (Sweet By & By)
Grandma’s Hands
Freedom Highway
Baby, I Love You
Bridge Over Troubled Water
A Change Is Gonna Come
Wash My Soul In The River’s Flow
–Encore–
The Promised Land