ABOUT ALASTAIR BLACK
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Alastair Black was born in New Guinea and spent his formative years in multi-culturally influenced environments, both in New Guinea and on a farming property near the Aboriginal reserve of Point Pearce, Australia. He attended school with students from Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and, of course, Australia. As a wool-classer, he spent time studying culture in New Zealand, South Australia, New South Wales and Queensland. |
Playing the didgeridoo became a natural extension for Alastair who appreciates that to "understand a culture you need to participate in it". Over a number of years, his proficiency in playing developed to a point where, with the encouragement of Rolf Harris and Burnum Burnum (a respected Aboriginal leader), he begun his vocation to introduce others to the wonder and enjoyment of the didgeridoo.
Alastair sees his, now long standing, vocation as an avenue to reconciliation between black and white Australia.
Alastair has also been influenced and supported by other notable tribal elders, such as;
Big Bill Neidjie (Nay-ee-gee; Kakadu Man)
David Blanatji (Blen-ar-zee; who taught Rolf Harris and played for the Queen of England) &
George Jungawonga (Junga-wonga)
Alastair conducts lessons for beginners and schools, facilitates spiritual workshops and plays to audiences around the world including;
North America
Australia
Singapore
Malaysia
India
Germany &
Switzerland
Notable Australian appearances include;
Womad '93 & '95
Adelaide Festival of Arts
Australian National Folk Festival
Maleny Folk Festival
Goolwa Folk Festival
Broken Hill Aboriginal Lands Council
Alastair has had the privilege to play for;
The Dalai Lama
Big Bill Neidjie
the late Burnum Burnum (Dreamtime workshops)
Rolf Harris
Professor Suzuki
Yogi Amarit Desai
Michael Brecker (Paul Simon's saxophone player)
Alastair is now concentrating on producing quality instruments to give others not only the skills but also the tools to make traditionally influenced aboriginal music.
In conclusion Alastair hopes that his Home Page brings the new
and the old together in harmony.
