Gurrumul Yunupingu has released “Gopuru,” the first single from his gold-selling sophomore album Rrakala.

Listening to a song like this just really brings home the power of music. I received a press release detailing what the song was about, but I almost felt like I didn’t need to read it. I usually focus on lyrics and rely on them to get to the heart of a song, but Gurrumul’s music transcends all that.

If you must know, this song describes the rhythms of a totemic fish as it makes its way through the sea. It feels a lot bigger than that simple explanation though, doesn’t it?

If you’re moved by Gurrumul’s music remember that he’ll embark on his first national tour next month. Tickets are selling fast though – they’ve even had to announce a second Sydney show – so I wouldn’t wait too long to get yours.

24 August 2011 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
26 August 2011 – Riverside Theatre Perth Convention Centre, Perth
29 & 30 August 2011 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
1 September 2011 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
3 September 2011 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
5 September 2011 – Royal Theatre @ Canberra Convention Centre, Canberra
7 September 2011 – The Palais, St Kilda

Gurrumul Yunupingu rarely takes his extraordinary talents on the road, so it’s pretty exciting that he’s planning to tour the country through August and September.

The run of shows sees Gurrumul play his first ever solo concerts in Brisbane, Adelaide and Tasmania. Even if you have seen him before, these shows will be worth another look. His collaborator and producer Michael Hohnen says he’s worked hard to create a night which reflects the full, complex orchestration of Gurrumul’s new album Rrakala.

“Gurrumul and I have been talking about the best way of presenting a special concert to a larger audience and the challenges of this. On “Rrakala” Gurrumul plays drums, electric and acoustic guitars and grand piano.  I thought it was a touching but also a more varied performance at Bluesfest in Byron recently where some 8000 people simply stood, mesmerised, and listened for the entire hour, as if we were playing in their collective lounge room. This was a show where we had some extra people play with him – he loves playing with musicians backing him up,” he explained.

Tickets for the following shows go on sale on June 1. Considering how rare Gurrumul’s live performances are, and how intimate the venues, I don’t expect them to last long.

24 August 2011 – Derwent Entertainment Centre, Hobart
26 August 2011 – Riverside Theatre Perth Convention Centre, Perth
29 August 2011 – Sydney Opera House, Sydney
1 September 2011 – Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane
3 September 2011 – Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
5 September 2011 – Royal Theatre @ Canberra Convention Centre, Canberra
7 September 2011 – The Palais, St Kilda