Embark on a mesmerizing journey into the heart of the Amazon rainforest with performer and field recordist, Vicki Hallett. "Live at the Amazon" captures two enchanting performances, offering a unique experience that resonates with the rich sounds of the rainforest. Join Vicki in this musical adventure, capturing the essence of one of the last quiet places on Earth - the Amazon rainforest.


1. Voices of The Zabalo River. 

The Zabalo River, a life source, a vein.
We travelled for hours up the river, with our guides often required to hack through the obstacles with machetes to get to the campsite. 
I chose this site along the river for the performance as the bubbling and gurgling of the rushing water sounds like a conversation. I stand in my gumboots and I place my feet tentatively as I try not to slide on the mud and into the river. The air is humid against my skin, my clothes sticky wet, hands sweating, fingers struggling to seat on the clarinet keys due to the copious layers of insect repellant, dirt, sweat and sunscreen. Our small team gathers to record and listen to what I am about to play. Feeling highly attuned and awakened to the sounds of the Amazonian jungle, I dig deep within. I have travelled a long way for this moment, this performance. Can I pull this one off? The songs of the insects, cicadas, birds and the gurgles of the river draw me in and I am swept away.


Voices of the Zabalo River (24:02)
I . Awakened by murmurs
II. River Turtle
III. Water voices


2. Wrapped in the Arms of a Giant.

Our guides hack through the jungle as they cut a trail to a particular tree.
I now see why this tree is significant to the tribe. The trail opens out to reveal a giant Ceiba tree. It is so immense that each root forms a high buttress wall that towers over me and I feel like I am standing within the tree's embrace. I decide to play from within each of these roots, or “studios” as named by the guides. Each studio has a unique resonance. As I move the clarinet, the sound responds in its own way. Against the roots or the walls, it creates different sonic textures and effects. The humidity is so high that drips fall on me from the canopy above. Now and then light rain breaks through. Water creates nature's rhythmic accompaniment. The birds and insects sing their layers too. I start to "sound" the enormous tree root soaring around me.

Wrapped in the Arms of a Giant (26:06)
I. Studio A - Sounding the Bam Bam
II. Studio B - Under the canopy
III. Studio C - Forest Humming
IV. Studio D - Homage

Includes bonus booklet.

Special thanks to my family, the Cofan Tribe, Gordon Hempton, Quiet Parks International, City of Greater Geelong, Steve Ashby, Mike Vernusky, Nicole Carroll, Perri Lynch Howard, Adam Simmons, Donna Smithyman, Penelope Bartlau. To all the other special people in my world who offered support, encouragement, knowledge, inspiration and guidance.