Blak & Blu

Melbourne-based Aboriginal singer Kutcha Edwards is a big man with a big voice. A Mutti Mutti man, whose traditional country lies near the NSW/ Victoria border, like his musical compatriot Archie Roach, Edwards is a member of the Stolen Generation – those indigenous children who were forcibly taken from their families and institutionalised in foster homes and government facilities. A social activist-storyteller, who has dedicated himself to raising cultural awareness through his work with schools, community centres and prisons, Edwards was also lead singer of 90s band Blackfire. In recent years he’s been a featured vocalist with Aboriginal all-star ensemble the Black Arm Band.

His third solo album delivers a solid collection of folk-blues tunes, with country-rock inflections. Lyrically reflecting the personal pain and hardships of his upbringing, he also continually reaffirms the need to ‘get back up again. The shimmering track ‘Scars’ balances the two realities perfectly, as does the swampy ‘Blind Joe’s Creek, complete with mariachi¬ like horn section. The sole cover tune, Sam Cooke’s classic ‘A Change is Gonna Come,’ sums up Edwards’ prevailing attitude well. The distinctive guitar licks of Aussie blues-roots ace Jeff Lang permeate the recording, with indigenous heartthrob Dan Sultan lending his soulful tonsils to the lazy blues duet ‘Roll With the Rhythm’ – the first song Kutcha ever wrote. Undoubtedly his best, most well-produced release to date, Blak & Blu is as much personal therapy as it is a fine album, serving to raise up Kutcha’s spirits as well as those of the listener.