Bush Music · Part 1 · Uralla Stories

In conversation

Barry McDonald

Recorded: 2012
Length: 40:35
Part: 1 of 2

“Music carried their culture for them. Music told their stories.”

About this conversation

Musician and oral historian, Barry McDonald, talks about some of the great bush musicians from around the New England region.

This is the first of two conversations Barry has with Hamish discussing his time recording bush (folk) music from around the New England region. Barry, himself a musician, began recording bush music/bush culture in the late 70's after moving to the New England area. Friends, Chris Sullivan and Russel Ward, both suggested Barry help document the last remnants of bush culture before it disappeared. Passionate about music, Barry travelled extensively and sought out people who were the last keepers of the once vibrant bush culture within the New England area. Over this time he developed an extensive collection, much of which is now housed with the National Library. Barry speaks with trepidation around the concept of 'collecting' recordings and now sees his approach has changed: from the short-term relationship and appropriation of material to a more ongoing, mutual relationship that is built on trust.

Transcript

Transcript coming soon.

We’re transcribing these conversations one by one. In the meantime, you can listen to the whole recording.

Continue to Part 2 Bush Music · Part 2 of 2 · 40:45