Tell Me Why

Widely acknowledged as one of Australia’s most celebrated indigenous singer-songwriters, Archie Roach’s long career is slowly drawing to a close. Following the loss of his cherished wife and musical partner Ruby Hunter in 2010, and subsequent major health issues – bravely battling back from a stroke and lung cancer – last year he announced his retirement from touring. So in many ways this album, and the publication of his companion 2019 memoir, Tell Me Why, feels like a wrapping up of loose ends and a fitting swansong, further solidifying Roach’s remarkable legacy.

This collection contains 11 newly re-recorded songs central to Roach’s own impressive repertoire, along with two previously unrecorded older tunes, three new tracks and two classics that influenced him. Highlights are the first song he ever wrote, ‘Open Up Your Eyes’, his co-written duet ‘Rally Round the Drum’ with fellow Aussie icon Paul Kelly, and the album’s title-track. The gospel standard ‘Just a Closer Walk With Thee’, (featuring indigenous powerhouse Emma Donovan) and his touching cover version of Hank Williams’ ‘I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry’ are both poignant inclusions.

Full of heartfelt inspiration, this recording was produced by Australian composer-arranger-jazz pianist Paul Grabowsky, and rightfully won Album of the Year at the 2020 National Indigenous Music Awards. With his stellar career redefining what it means to be a contemporary Aboriginal songman, may Roach’s well-deserved retirement years be long and satisfying.