Sam Anning

Mat Jodrell (trumpet), Carl Mackey (alto saxophone), Julien Wilson (tenor saxophone, electronics), Andrea Keller (piano, wurlitzer), Theo Carbo (electric and acoustic guitars), Sam Anning (double bass, compositions), Kyrie Anderson (drums).

Melbourne bassist-composer Sam Anning’s third septet album Earthen, is dedicated to the indomitable spirit of Indigenous Australian music icon, Uncle Archie Roach. Featuring an ensemble of long-time collaborators, Andrea Keller, Kyrie Anderson, Mat Jodrell, Carl Mackey, Julien Wilson, and Theo Carbo, the album draws on the deep well of Roach’s wisdom, connection to the moment, resilience of spirit, and the medicinal power of music.

Anning’s experience as bassist for three years with Roach before his passing in 2022 was a profound and musically enriching journey. Roach was an award-winning singer-songwriter, musician and respected elder, known for his songs that often told powerful, poignant stories about Indigenous Australian experiences, particularly the pain and trauma of the Stolen Generations. The experience offered Anning a unique opportunity to contribute to a powerful legacy of social activism and healing through music, providing a profound connection with his music and his audiences, reflecting on the themes of loss, resilience and hope.

“We were gathered around Archie’s bed in the ICU, Stephen Magnusson and I had taken our instruments and were playing softly as he greeted and farewelled family. After singing some of his songs with us, he opened his eyes and said: “This hospital gives me medicine, which is good, but THIS [the music] is the medicine I need.” He then gestured toward my bass “This is earthenware”, then at Stephen’s guitar “and this is earthenware. They are made from the earth, music comes from the earth and these instruments carry it, and it goes back to the earth”.

In these final words to us he had distilled the entire experience we had had playing with, and marveling at, this great story-teller and songman. He showed us the ultimate power of music: it is medicine that comes from the earth, passes through us, heals, connects, cleanses, allows us to briefly transcend our physical bodies, and goes back to the earth as do we. I am honoured and grateful for the time spent, lessons learned, and music made with the great Uncle Archie Roach.”