Around 15 years ago I was introduced to and began playing the didgeridoo. I first picked up the instrument because I was fascinated by its sound and had always wanted to have a go at playing it. I played with the "one breath "style for about the first year of having a didge!!!! Then finally a mate of mine (Alan McGough) explained to me the circular breathing technique!!! This took a bit of time to master but once I got the hang of it I knew that was it! I would be hooked on this instrument for a long, long time............
Sadly, before picking up a didgeridoo, I knew very, very little about the Aboriginal culture and its people. I’m so lucky, I think, that the didgeridoo in a way created a bridge for me right into the heart of my birthplace; something I had never understood. I have met some really amazing people and been taken to some really amazing places, both spiritually and physically; all thanks to this instrument.
After some time, I began to take more of an interest in different playing styles; expanding and working on my own playing variations. I have had many influences in my playing style; the first didge recording I heard was from David Hudson so he was definitely one of my first inspirations then Ash Dargan, Mark Atkins, A.D., Ganga Giri, Mark Hoffman, Charlie McMahon,David Blanasi,Darwins Local Yidaki and Mago players, Bronson.............. (and the rest).
From 2002 to 2006 I ran a small didgeridoo shop in Darwin N.T. Originally I opened the shop because I knew so many great didge makers, but knew of no shop that would sell all of these instruments from the one outlet. For me personally the shop was a great way to have an amazing range of didgeridoos to promote and play, including craftsmen like Robbie Hantelmann (STIX Didgeridoos), Bob druett (didji.com.au), Nathan Burton and Djalu. Also this enabled me to meet great didge players from Australia and around the world. For me, having the opportunity to hear so many different styles, from traditional aboriginal to contemporary didgeridoo playing, has had a positive influence on my playing style.
Over the last 6 years I have expanded my didgeridoo experience and knowledge; performing solo and with bands, playing in session recordings and also teaching and running workshops.
In January 2005 I performed with The Pigram Brothers at the True North launch in Fremantle W.A.
In 2005 and 2006 I also performed with The Groovesmiths in Darwin N.T. and in W.A., and in November 2005 recorded on The Groovesmiths album "Demonstrations of Intent".
In 2006 I was privileged to perform alongside Mark Atkins, with the Dutch band BLOF, in Rotterdam Holland. The performance marked the release of the album UMOJA, which features didge music by both Mark Atkins and myself. As a follow-up from the UMOJA project I will again perform with BLOF at the Dutch Movie Festival in September 2007.
