This is a very exciting release of new manikay cds from Yolngu communities in north east Arnhemland. These are quality field recordings made at various remote Yolngu homeland communities.

The release of these recordings is significant as it is the first time manikay from these communities has been made commercially available to the general public. Each title contains manikay specific to each clan, recorded as a song cycle. The manikay styles vary considerably between each recording and give a good insight into the stylistic differences and similarities between various Yolngu clan manikay.

Whenever possible, the recordings have been edited so that each start and stop within the song cycle is an individual track. This gives the listener the freedom to move through the complete recording as they like whilst retaining the flow of the song cycle. The cds have been mixed with the yidaki levels fairly high, so that yidaki players can hear the textures of the sound easily. The recordings capture the atmosphere of each homeland and give an authentic sense of place.

More background information on the history of these recordings can be found on the Serious Sticks Forum