In the ever-evolving world of traditional music, few artists manage to bridge the divide between cultural heritage and innovative artistry as seamlessly as Robert Zielinski.
His latest work, Kiangardarup, released on November 8th, 2024, is not just an album; it is an evocative symphony of place, history, and heart. This six-year labour of love transcends borders and genres, grounding listeners in the raw beauty of Western Australia's Great Southern region while honouring Zielinski's deeply rooted connection to Irish traditional music.
The album’s title, Kiangardarup, originates from the Minang people of Torbay Inlet, whose elder Vernice Gillies gifted the name to Robert. This spiritual connection to the land resonates throughout the composition. Each note feels like an offering to the region’s ancient karri forests, star-dappled skies, and serene waters, vividly capturing the lifecycle of a single day. From the stirring awakening of dawn to the hushed mystery of nightfall, Kiangardarup invites the listener on an immersive, almost cinematic journey.
Zielinski’s extraordinary ability to compose by ear — honed through decades of learning in the oral tradition — is on full display. His intricate fiddle melodies, paired with wooden flute, cello, and bouzouki, are more than musical arrangements; they are living, breathing portraits of his surroundings. The recordings, meticulously refined by Lee Buddle in Perth and mastered at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, retain the organic essence of the Australian bush, with the faint chirps of birds and rustle of leaves weaving themselves into the musical narrative.
Standout moments on the album include the first single, “Donegal,” a tender homage to Zielinski’s late mentor Mick Doherty and his enduring connection to Ireland. It's a poignant reminder of how music transcends geography, allowing traditions to travel and thrive. Zielinski’s choice to revisit Mick’s Donegal roots speaks volumes about the transformative power of mentorship and friendship in the folk tradition.
Kiangardarup not only showcases Zielinski’s mastery of the fiddle but also his skill as a storyteller. From his early days learning tunes by ear from Irish masters like Mick Doherty, to his time immersed in the vibrant musical communities of East Clare and South Sligo, Zielinski’s journey has been as much about listening as it has been about playing. His award-winning career — including the prestigious Michael Coleman Fiddle Player of the Year—speaks to his unparalleled dedication.
The collaborative efforts behind Kiangardarup — including the graceful contributions of cellist Melinda Forsythe, flutist Manuela Centanni, and bouzouki player Jim Green — elevate this record to a sublime level. The accompanying 28-page booklet, featuring photographs of the Torbay Inlet, provides the perfect visual counterpart to the album’s auditory brilliance.
The world premiere at Perth Concert Hall in May 2024 received a well-deserved standing ovation, affirming what many already knew: Robert Zielinski is not merely a musician; he is a custodian of tradition and a pioneer of new frontiers. With Kiangardarup, he has gifted us a work that feels timeless, rooted deeply in both land and legacy.
Kiangardarup is an essential listen for anyone seeking music that transcends the ordinary — a pure celebration of life, as ABC Radio National aptly described. Robert Zielinski has given us a masterpiece that is as much a tribute to his West Australian home as it is to the enduring spirit of Irish traditional music.
This album is a testament to the transformative power of art, reminding us all to listen — not just to the music, but to the stories, landscapes, and histories that inspire it.
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