Visible Six

Testament to the healing power of music and the importance of artistic diversity in a country that claims to be truly multicultural, Visible Six is, above all, a great listen. The Visible project (so the cover notes say) has linked 50 emerging artists from such places as Africa, Sri Lanka and the Pacific Islands – and many more – through its mentoring and recording programs. Multicultural Arts Victoria kicked off the project in 2005 and it has since attracted a number of grants, with support from radio station PBS 106.7 FM, and an ever-growing audience. It isn’t just a worthy idea; the CD surprises with its professional sound. For instance the six-piece “Ethio- jazz” ensemble J-Amaris would be well received in any jazz club of note anywhere in the world. The first track is a greeting and a big hug, a translation of the title ‘Diabushu’ that is Bitsat Seyoum’s gift to her husband and family. It’s a joyous piece that begins with drumming by Jason Heerah (who also mixed the piece) but soon introduces Bitsat’s distinctive vocal style, sung in Amharic, but with an almost calypso sound, thanks to the instrumentation. Jerusalem Gospel Rumba, on the second track, is a group that has everything to do with rumba, not so much with the other – although singer/songwriter Nestor Omari is apparently delivering “deep Congolese gospel vocals”. The lyrics include reference to “Australia … Melbourne” amid what is a great track to dance to. There’s some real commercial potential in this album, for instance with Rarity Five – five women RnB vocalists (and former rappers) whose Islander mixed with Afro heritage produces a distinctive, soulful sound. Rwandan Macc-Too, teamed with producer Ivan “Choi” Katchoyan, has already enjoyed some success, with a single and music video last year and an album on the way. (Her other claim to fame is as a soccer player!). Choi’s contribution to two more tracks on Visible Six lends a professional edge to the album. With wider exposure these musicians could capture an enthusiastic market for music that is contemporary and close to its authentic roots. I commend Anbessa Gebrehiwot’s rhythmic ‘Salam Ozi’, a version of ‘Advance Australia Fair’, for managing to make our anthem sound cool. To top it off, the Burundian Drummers (30 men and boys from the Ethiopian community) deliver a rousing salute, ‘Australia’, that both celebrates their new country and sums up the contribution that new musicians bring to us as a nation. Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars Various Artists Visible Six Out now through Multicultural Arts Victoria Info: www.multiculturalarts.com.au