Search - Archie Roach :: Jamu Dreaming

How real is his music

05/28/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"His music is him, as I have had the opportunity to journey through some of his life with him and his wife Ruby, I also grew up with his Uncle and sat with Ruby and wiped her tears when Archie was having a rough time. I was there the first time they ever sung in front of people, and saw Archie's house full of Aboriginal children he had fostered and adopted. And remember Ruby ringing one day saying I'm nervous Paul Simons is coming to visit us and I can only give him vegemite sandwiches we don't have any money" I said Ruby you two have everything to give that is more important than a sandwhich.And give unconditionally they have."

Story songs par excellence!

07/24/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As I travel I listen to the stories of my memories. Sometimes I listen to books recorded onto audiotape. I almost always have Archie Roach albums as well, because the storytelling in many of his songs is historical informative and so personally evocative that I can listen to them again and again. Particularly appealing is the sense of hope and joy that emerges from stories of ethnic persecution and personal trials. As an American Indian I am familiar with the many, many sad stories told by and about us in the United States. Yet there is also the great healing power of humor...of love...of survival. Sherman Alexie's poetry and stories capture this great combination, even as the musical storytelling of Archie Roach does. This is good medicine for the soul."