What most people know about the didgeridoo is found in the lyrics to Rolf Harris' classic song "Tie Me Kangaroo Down, "Play your didgeridoo, Blue, play your didgeridoo. Keep playing 'til I shoot through, Blue, play your didgeridoo. All together now!"

In addition to providing music for various National Geographic projects, sound designer and audio mixer Karl has released his first CD, Terra Nova. Inspired by Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet, all proceeds from the disc will go to the Stop Hunger Now organization. "Imagine world peace, says Karl." We imagine it's got a groovy didgeri-beat.

Karl Kalbaugh is EvOR's resident Didgeridoo player. The didgeridoo is an Aboriginal instrument from Australia. I had no idea what a Didgeridoo is so I though I would add a small and limited description to the beginning of this review.

A Didgeridoo is possibly the oldest known wind instrument, traditionally made from eucalyptus branches or saplings. Then, naturally hollowed by termites. The shape and size determine the sound and pitch of the instrument. Wax will sometimes be used at a large end to fashion the mouthpiece. Karl, please feel free to add other information you feel necessary to this description.

Sometimes we get so involved with our new gadgets we forget how nice a natural sound can be. It is so nice to push a few buttons and have an organ stacked on top of a piano, with strings. Karl Kalbaugh is able to bring the feeling of many instruments out in the playing of the Didgeridoo, a very old and natural instrument. This is not to say that he doesn't understand the use of the triple stacked midi instrument. In the song "Nocturne" there is a definite primal theme, with his Didgeridoo driving the background rhythms, a tribal vocal style, and some other talented musicianship it was hard not to really enjoy this song. It has a good rhythm that's easy to get into without being an overdone in your face jazz contemporary copy.

The feel of most of Karl's music is reminiscent of nature. He brings the sounds of nature to the forefront, and uses it as a basis for his music. Karl is also a Television Sound Designer. You may have heard his work on the National Geographic Channel or your local PBS station. He has produced music and has played the Didgeridoo. You can go to the National Geographic web page and listen to some of his music. When I hear someone's music I want to say, "they sound like," with Karl it's not that simple. You hear the jazz influences in his music, but the unmistakable sounds of nature are always there. His music is relaxing without putting you to sleep. Interesting without being wild and overbearing. If you are looking for a good melody with a primal impulse take a listen to Karl Kalbaugh.