In Return Home (from 2023’s Morning Sun EP), Bumpy sings, “I feel those stories that we couldn't speak of/ And I feel your power flowing through my blood/ But I don't know my native tongue.”
Since then, Bumpy has stepped up her language journey: she’s continuing the life’s work of her late nan, Rose Whitehurst, who compiled the first Noongar dictionary.
During her 2023/24 tenure as Melbourne International Jazz Festival’s First Nations Artist in Residence – which culminated in Tooni, a collaboration with Australian Art Orchestra – Bumpy returned to Noongar Boodja with her mother. Together, they traced the footsteps of family and Elders, reconnecting with Country and activating memories while visiting languageholders and gathering resources.
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The opening River Skies eases listeners into Kanana (translation: land where the sunsets) as yidaki, clapsticks and layered harmonies enfold Bumpy’s flawless pipes. The listener feels transported – dropped on Country. Throughout this Wurundjeri Dreamtime story, Bumpy honours the land that has nurtured her creative growth.
Double bass adds rich warmth to the title track. Maambakoort (ocean) trickles in, encapsulating how connected Bumpy felt to her Ancestors while entering the saltwater on Country. This one is buoyed by a backing choir, which includes Bumpy’s siblings – Emmy, Ben and Dan – singing in language.
“Lead with love/ Bring me to safety” – the jaunty-paced Nan’s The Word lights the way, resplendent with brass accents. Crashing cymbals underscore Pressure – Bumpy’s response to the Referendum: “I think I’m gonna burn down and take what’s mine.”
Bumpy’s much-anticipated debut album is nourishing. Let it wash over you in its entirety with no distractions.
LABEL: ASTRAL PEOPLE RECORDINGS
RELEASE: 3 OCT
