Australia has made a habit of bringing unusual things to the world – like the wobble board. Well, I think that has been outdone by a humble man from Melbourne. His name is Herb Patten, a Koori elder affectionately known as “Uncle Herb”.
He plays what I think could be the most unusual musical instrument in the world. Now I could be wrong and you have the right to correct me by leaving a comment at the bottom of the page. The instrument I’m talking about is the common, all-pervading Australian gum leaf.
A little about the gum leaf’s musical history
Australian Aborigines are credited with developing very few musical instruments. The most commonly known is the didgeridoo. Probably the least known is the gum-leaf which can be picked from local trees. It is played by holding the leaf tightly between the hands and lips, then blowing across the leaf’s surface to create vibrations. The leaf was used originally to mimic bird-calls. It was only later after the Europeans brought music to the Australian continent that the gum-leaf was used to play melodies.1
Between the 1920’s and the 1940’s leaf bands were quite popular in Australia. You could get a 10 piece band playing gum leaves in harmony. Now I think that is definitely an X-factor moment. These days the art of leaf blowing may slowly be dying out, however, one Australian may be the inspiration for a new generation of leaf bands.
Present day gum leaf blowing
Uncle Herb brought this unique art to the attention of the Australian public in 2007 when he entered into the ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ television show. This gave him the opportunity to show off his skill with the gum leaf.
How do you learn this unique skill?
Herb has released a book titled How to Play the Gumleaf. Herb Patten has put together a 32 page book and accompanying CDs to guide you through a learning journey on gumleaf blowing. The instructions teach you how to progress from beginner to someone who may one day wow the world with your talent.
Listen, enjoy and let me know what you think.
Image source: Australian Gum Leaves, Uncle Herb, How to Play the Gumleaf
the Europeans didn’t ‘bring’ music to the Australian continent. Music already existed before their invasion.
Namaste Kazee
You’re quite correct. The indigenous Australians already had music. At no point in my article did I intend for anyone to think differently.
Timberwolf