Kutcha Edwards-60 Cycles Around The Sun
Celebrating The Life Of This Amazing and acclaimed Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Nari Nari Songman, Hooley Dooley, it was a fabulous night
As with life and celebrations, there was laughter, there were tears, but most of all, there was a roomful of joy and respect.
The jam-packed Melbourne Recital Hall held family, kin, fans, all here to praise and give love to the Big Man, Kutcha Edwards as he celebrated 60 years with us. Kutcha himself had to temper the celebration with the reality of the years:
“That’s what 60 Cycles Around The Sun is all about," says Edwards. "It’s celebrating my longevity in the industry, but also the fact that I’ve gone past my use-by date as an Aboriginal man in this country." Statistics show that Aboriginal men only live to about 57. Edwards may be ‘old’ in regard to that statistic, but he is full of life and soul.
Kutcha’s long-time mate, the ever effervescent and quick-witted quiz master, Brian Nankervis, was on hand to MC the event. You could see the emotion in his eyes and voice, as in all who graced the stage.
The first 1/2 of the evening MO'JU, Bumpy, Tjimba Possum-Burns, Cash Savage, Aaron Choulai, Rebecca Barnard and Richard Pleasance came out to tell tales of working and living alongside Kutcha. Of course, they joined him in songs and hugs. Edwards is definitely all about songs and hugs. Edwards and guests were supported by Kutcha's band Jay Jarome, Nicola Bell, Linc Yow Yeh, Phoebe Elsworth and Nick Larkins.
Kutcha was not the only man choked up with emotions and tears. The feeling of love and story and life reverberated through each member of the audience.
The second 1/2 of the show was mindblowing. Kutcha was joined by Cash Savage and The Last Drinks. I’ve witnessed Cash and her band a number of times, from the sacred ground at Dashville to the Landsdowne Hotel in Sydney. It had been a handful of years since I last heard them live, and my anticipation gauge was running into the red.
Cash And The Last Drinks did not disappoint in backing Kutcha. Their soundscape over his singing was excellent. When they rocked, they rocked, guitars ablazing. I made a note to myself not to wait too long before drinks ever again. Make sure you check out this album to get a taste of what you missed.
Happy Birthday, Kutcha. You have lived a life and survived what has been placed in your way. Your presence, your voice, your art and your love will be with us forever.
No more silence on the land
Here to make you understand
No more silence on the land
See the footprints, see the footprints in the sand
Singing up country
Singing up country
Always been here, nothing to fear
Making it clear, we're never gonna disappear
Standing up strong, see the power of song
We've done nothing wrong, here's where we belong
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country, hey
No more silence on the land
Here to make you understand
No more silence on the land
See the footprints in the sand
Imagine what the old people saw
What was here before, we must protect the law
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country
Singing up country, hey
