Features: Fringe · Adam Hills · After The End · Arj Barker · Charlie Pickering · Geraldine Quinn · Gorden Southern · Tarnished · There's Something About Fairy · Tom Gleeson WOMADelaide · Akoustic Odyssey · Seckou Keita · Amanda Palmer · Animal Collective · Belles Will Ring · Bob Log III · High Places · Armored Saint · Cry Murder · Pulp Fiction Comics · Silverstein · Vetiver WOMADelaide - Akoustic Odyssey Classical world music that rocks. That's how Akoustic Odyssey's violinist Emma Luker describes the band's unique sound that has captivated local audiences for a few years now. Their upcoming WOMADelaide appearance will expose an even wider audience to the cello, guitar, oboe, violin and percussion-driven arrangements and clever original material; it wouldn't be surprising if they gather a large number of new fans as a result. Luker joined Akoustic Odyssey in 2008 during the recording of their second CD 'Ilios'. Playing with the Fiddle Chicks, Disciples Of Zen and various duos was obviously not filling in enough time! She joined at the request of guitarist and composer Josh Tsunis, with whom she had previously studied music. The tune arrangements are generally quite intricate and structured, so the question arises as to whether this allows for much improvisation or spontaneity? "All of the parts are written out by the composers Stephan Richter and Josh Tsunis," explains Luker, "so there is not much improvising needed - the composers make us all sound brilliant! There are a couple of pieces that allow for one or two of us to have a solo, which is a great opportunity to show off. Funk Metal Junk allows our junk kit player Matt [Harrington] to show off his assortment of hubcaps and found objects in great style. "Both percussionists, Matt and Anne Harrington, are given a play-off in the piece Danzon Para Me, along with myself getting all squeaky with the high notes in my solo, as well as guitarists Alex McFarlane and Josh getting a chance to show their improvising skills in several pieces. Stephan gives himself a few opportunities on his masterful cello and oboist Talitha Best begins a couple of pieces with a slow, improvised haunting solo. So yes, amongst all the strict structure there is room to improvise." Luker may be adding some of her own material to the repertoire, including the tune Journey, which she currently performs with Soursob Bob. Like the rest of Akoustic Odyssey's material it is instrumental, and while they may add a singer occasionally, there are no plans to include a full-time vocalist. So beyond the initial description, another way to describe the band's sound - something a little tricky to attempt in just words - is to consider the melding of the different textures of the instruments, and the diverse musical history of all seven players. "There are so many different influences in the compositions that it's hard to pinpoint- from Stephan's jazz background to Josh's time in metal bands, to Talitha's orchestral playing, my folk-classical background, Anne's experience with African, Greek and other world music, Alex's involvement in folk and contemporary as well as classical and Matt's experience as a classical percussionist and member of rock bands. There's so much there, I think every one of those things contributes to the Akoustic Odyssey sound." For Luker herself, with various bands on the go at the same time, does she find herself naturally fitting into each one at any given time, or does it require some amount of adjustment? "When I get into each situation I get so involved that the different mindset immediately takes over, and I don't really have to think about it any more. With The Fiddle Chicks, it's all about arranging and structuring parts that we've improvised and keeping them consistent. With Soursob Bob, it's about enhancing his songs and letting the lyrics and style be made clear. With Akoustic Odyssey it's about reading the music, internalising it and playing well together as an ensemble in a high-pressure situation." Presumably then, the atmosphere and crowds of WOMADelaide should bring out their best! They are only giving the one performance, and I imagine those who venture to "the shady stage" at that time will have little choice but to be drawn into the musical web that Akoustic Odyssey weaves. Michael Hunter WOMADelaide takes place in Botanic Park from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March.