Note: The original version of this story contained an error and also embargoed information that had inadvertently been provided to National Indigenous Times prematurely. We apologise for any distress or confusion caused as a result.
Marloo's Blues, a short documentary showcased over the weekend at St. Stephen's Uniting Church, showed a glimpse into the life of Marlene Cummins—a saxophonist and activist.
The proud Guguyelandji and Woppaburra woman's story of resilience and activism is woven through her distinctive blues music, offering a deeply personal perspective on her journey.
"Marloo's Blues is about my life, and I'm pretty much a storyteller," said Ms Cummins.
"I address issues that we can all benefit from in regards to being part of the oldest living culture in the world.
"There are messages that I incorporate into my music styles...whether I'm covering blues, jazz, soul, R'n'B old school that is."
Ms Cummins has dedicated over two decades to performing in festivals, events, and clubs across Australia, bringing her perspective on blues as a powerful social and cultural statement. In addition to her prolific career as a musician, she has made her mark as a radio host.
Her long-running show, Marloo's Blues, on Koori Radio won Broadcaster of the Year at the Deadly Awards in 2009, cementing her influence in the Australian blues scene.
"Blues makes me want to holler," said Ms Cummins.
"Blues are about social injustice, the Blues make me want to dance, the Blues want me to sing, the Blues makes me want to shake my thing.
"The Blues evolved from a Black experience, so I put my Aboriginal stamp on it. Marloo's Blues brings about change using the powerful platform of music.
"It's sassy mumma uptempo stuff you can really dance to...if you love the blues as much as I do, you'll choose Marloo's Blues."
Her influence reaches beyond music; she is also an advocate for Aboriginal voices and social justice. Her first album, Koori Woman Blues, accompanied the release of Black Panther Woman, a biographical documentary by filmmaker Rachel Perkins that highlights her experience as a member of Australia's Black Panther Party.
Ms Cummins life, as producer Richard Field points out, mirrors the experiences of early blues legends.
"The life Marlene has lived is closer to the life that produced those original blues singers like Muddy Waters, than any contemporary American blues artist," Mr Field said.
Ms Cummins refined her craft at Berklee College of Music in Boston, setting a foundation for the rich, authentic sound she brings to audiences today. Commissioned by the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) in 2022, Marloo's Blues captures this spirit, connecting her story with the legacy of Aboriginal women in jazz and blues.
With Marloo's Blues, Ms Cummins connects with a broader audience, blending history and music into a powerful narrative. Her story reflects both the resilience of First Nations voices and the deep cultural and social impact of the blues.
"The life Marlene has lived is closer to the life of original blues singers like Muddy Waters than any contemporary American blues artist," said Producer Richard Field.
Marloo's Blues will debut at the 2024 Sydney International Women's Jazz Festival on Saturday, November 2, from 2 pm to 4 pm at St Stephen's Uniting Church on Macquarie Street, Sydney.
Note: The original version of this story contained an error and also embargoed information that had inadvertently been provided to National Indigenous Times prematurely. We apologise for any distress or confusion caused as a result.
