Barefoot Divas Live Album 'Walk a Mile in My Shoes' Out, 7/14

Six women. Six distinct life stories tied to the complex history of Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea's indigenous peoples. Six strikingly fresh voices that move this history down a new and compelling path.

As Barefoot Divas, for the first time, Australia's innovative, acclaimed female indigenous singer/songwriters have come together with their sisters from New Zealand and Papua New Guinea on a remarkable live album, Walk A Mile In My Shoes (VGM/MGM Distribution; US release: July 14, 2013; US tour in 2014). The project features Ursula Yovich (Aborigine Burarra/Serbia) and Emma Donovan (Aborigine Gumbaynggirr NSW) joined by Whirimako Black (Maori), Maisey Rika (Maori), Merenia (Maori/Romany-Gypsy), andNgaiire (Papua New Guinea) in a powerful, symbolic collaboration.

Performing original compositions, the Diva's songs in Aboriginal languages and a fusion of English and Maori (Te Reo) come alive thanks to the ensemble's six-part harmonies and soaring voices. Swinging between acoustic roots (the rousing "TeMatapiko"), jazz, R&B ("Ngarraanga") and Latin-infused soul ("Fortuna"),Walk a Mile in My Shoesreflects the diverse and life-affirming experiences of contemporary indigenous women, a perspective that will prove intriguing and refreshing to North American listeners. Though echoing their profound heritage, their outspoken, moving pieces promise to resonate with anyone interested in authentic, deeply-felt vocal performance, contemporary song writing, and intense musical expression.

Performed live to great critical acclaim at the 2012 Sydney Festival-one of Australia's largest and most pioneering arts events-Walk A Mile In My Shoes also highlights the work of some of Australia and New Zealand's most accomplished multi-ethnic musicians: bassist Adam Ventoura (Greek-Australian), drummer/percussionist Steve Marin (Chilean), Giorgio Rojas (Peruvian), and accordionist/keyboardist Marcello Maio (Greek Sicilian). They join with New Zealand Maori guitarist Percy Robinson, and Justin Hohua Kereama, a Tohunga Taonga Puoro expert in traditional Maori wind instruments.

To post a comment, you must register and login.