BYALLA, to speak
Richard Green and Kevin Hunt

 

Richard Green performs on vocals, with Kevin Hunt on piano, Byalla, to speak. Kevin Hunt composed Byalla to the words of Woolarawarre Bennelong’s (1764-1813) letter to Mr Phillips, steward to Lord Sydney, New South Wales, 29 August 1796.

Their performance was filmed and edited by Peter McMurry, of Lumina Films.

Pianist Kevin Hunt has performed regularly in the Sydney jazz scene since 1979. In 1981 Kevin studied jazz at the Conservatorium with Don Burrows, Judy Bailey,Paul MacNamara, Roger Frampton, George Golla, Miroslav Bukovsky  and Dick Montz. Since the mid 1980s, Kevin has led his own jazz ensembles specializing in performances of his own compositions as well as classical composers. In 2004, Kevin completed a Masters in Jazz performance (Mmus) at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Kevin’s masters focused on transforming French classical piano repertoire into improvisatory form for jazz performance. Kevin is currently involved in PhD research on the jazz capabilities of the Australian made Stuart & Sons piano. This research has recently produced new music for the Stuart Piano based on ancient Aboriginal chants of the Sydney region. Kevin is currently producing a CD recording of this music entitled ‘Ancient & New’. In 2011, Kevin produced significant Aboriginal music recordings of Barabul-la, Chant, Harry’s Song-Chant’, Byalla, Ancient & New. Throughout 2011-2012 Kevin  began a creative association with the Menindee Central School, specifically regarding producing and composing performance pieces of Aboriginal significance that involved the school students and community as well as the ceremonial painting of a Stuart & Sons concert grand piano. Kevin Hunt and Richard Green produced Byalla in 2012, and performed Byalla at the Message Sticks Festival Sydney Opera House, 2013.