Dreaming in the Sand

... joyous and uplifting ... shows level of technical accomplishment far in excess of what you would expect from an ex-rock 'n' roller [GANGgajang] ... Dreaming in the Sand bears a passing resemblance to Dvorak, with its folk-like character and finely constructed textures. Connecting nine short movements is a fictional narrative centring on a developing bond between Suzannah, one of the First Fleet arrivals, and Wadni, an original inhabitant of Botany Bay. Their mutual admiration makes a fine statement towards racial inclusion. Bentley's live performance shows fine commitment. ★★★★

Robbie James is best known as a celebrated Australian rock/popular music guitarist and producer with the likes of GANGgajang and Yothu Yindi. He has loved classical music since childhood. His reputation as a composer has grown in recent years. Dreaming in the Sand ‘visualises the early stages of colonisation through a dream of a nation founded on inclusivity’. There are moments of Schubert-like sounds along with passage work that explores the lower registers of the quintet. Suzannah Sails commences with a Celtic-like melody on the violin and develops with a distinct folk music vibe. Dance on the Divide leaps and prances, alive with ideas rendered idiomatically for strings. It is one of my favourite movements. There is a purity, an innocence to the music of Dreaming in the Sand. It could be more complex harmonically and rhythmically, but it is not. There is a strong focus on melody and on establishing solid, but not crass, rhythmic foundations. It does hold one’s attention, however. Each of the nine movements of Dreaming in the Sand is a musical narrative, a miniature parable. It tells a story. There is no Beethovian grand design sculpted in sonata form, but there is nevertheless an arc established across 30 or so minutes of listening. The CD tells a version of our national founding narrative honestly and with musical integrity.

... delves into Australia’s rich and sombre history, imagining it from the lens of a nation founded on inclusivity rather than hurt. The album pays tribute to the ancient Map of Songs, a concept that underpins the narrative of Australia's rich cultural history. Many Indigenous groups mapped out Australia early on using songlines, where tunes were created and kept through families describing landmarks to travel certain routes. Throughout the quintet, James depicts pivotal moments in Australia's history. One movement illustrates a day in the life of a kangaroo during Captain James Cook's arrival at Kamay (Botany Bay), portraying the coloniser as a "Ghost on the Beach". The narrative continues with the character Suzannah, who sails with the First Fleet and forms a profound connection with an Indigenous inhabitant named Wadni, reflecting themes of unity and conflict resolution. With Dreaming In The Sand, James further solidifies his artistry, merging his multifaceted musical background with rich storytelling.

Alas, there was only one performance of this inspiring work.