Various - Caribbean Voyage

Media Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)
Sleeve Condition: Near Mint (NM or M-)

Notes:

In 1962 writer-folklorist-ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax journeyed to the heart of the Caribbean--deep into the musical traditions of the Lesser Antilles and eastern Caribbean that are, in fact, living records of a greater journey, from Africa to the Caribbean isles run as absentee plantations during slavery days by European nations. This CD takes the listener to the tiny island of Carriacou, which is part of the country of Grenada, where Lomax brings to life the Calypso tunes, 19th-century English quadrille dances, Baptist rhythms recast into Yoruban musical forms, cantiques (French hymns), sea chanteys, and, most stunningly, Cariacou's legendary Big Drum songs. These songs, laden with ritualistic overtones--each with its own accompanying dances--fall into nine groups with nine different West African ethnicities. From the very first drumbeat, a note of mysterious allure pervades the set, recalling a stolen past and offering entry into the richness of a people's polyglot present. A raucous African chorus swells over a thick weave of polyrhythms from drums and percussion and the lilting melodies of rudimentary string instruments. The shrill triumph of a rooster's cry conjures up the scene: a circle of celebrants playing, singing, and dancing in a dusty, outdoor "balm yard." "That's bongo!" an old man announces triumphantly. In the midst of another swirling drum song, Lomax asks in undertones, "Is this sugar? I'd love one!" "Oh, yes?" a husky female voice replies teasingly. Another woman delivers a heated a cappella plaint against an employer, written just the previous Boxing Day, she explains. Lomax's probing questions and the singers and players' answers draw the listener even further into this intoxication, so one encounters each discovery along with Lomax. This is more than a record. It's a stunning recovery preserved through the visceral warmth of "old-fashioned" analog equipment, a triumph of essence over technology. --Elena Oumano

1. Edith Hector - I Want To Hear Somebody Pray 1:23
2. Sugar Adams - Pléwé Mwê Lidé 0:57
3. Willie Joseph - Cromanti Cudjo 1:16
4. Jemina Joseph - Anancy-O Sari Baba 1:17
5. May Fortune - Oko 4:50
6. Jemina Joseph - Temne Woman-O 4:06
7. May Fortune - Hausa Wele 2:51
8. Daniel Aitkens - Blow The Man Down 1:46
9. Charlie Bristo - Le Pwezon Didan La Me 2:14
10-15. Canute Caliste, Sonnel Allert, Gorine Joseph, Willie Alexander - Six Figure Quadrille 8:04
16. Newton Joseph - Jodi Samdi 1:48
17. Margaret Henry - For My Own Money 3:15
18. Virginia Joseph - I´m Rocking My Baby To Sleep 2:19
19. Conrad James - Wila-Wila-Mena 0:42
20. Margaret Henry - Labour Party 2:32
21. Interview - Explanation Of Pass-Play 0:41
22. Sweet Honey Duncan - Vio Violé 1:46
23. Sweet Honey Duncan - Yankee Man Comin´ Everyday 1:35
24. Beatrice Dick - Mary & Martha 1:44
25. Canute Caliste, Sonnel Allert, Gorine Joseph, Willie Alexander - Wila-Wila-Mena 2:30
26. Conrad James - Reel Engage 0:39
27. Canute Calliste, Sonnel Alert, Gorine Joseph, Willie Alexander - Reel Engage 2:34
28. Charlie Bristol - Long Time Ago, (Caesar Boys) 2:05
29. Unknown Artist - Igbo Le Le 4:31
30. Joseph Jerome - One Night As I Was Walking 5:08
31. Tida Lazarus - Hush Baby Hush 0:55

Barcode and Other Identifiers:

Barcode 011661172227