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BARGAIN BASEMENT
COMPACT DISCS - Ethnic & World Music
Rosa Balisteri -> Yat-Kha
| ITALY | ROSA BALISTERI | Dejavu Retro Gold 4424 | Canti Siciliani (Two Cd set - 25 songs) | ● CD |
| Two CD set with 25 songs by this brilliant Sicilian
singer accompanied by her own guitar with with small groups (mandolins,
violins, etc). Rosa is a very soulful and emotional singer in the vein
of someone like Amalia Rodriguez. |
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| CAJUN | SHIRLEY BERGERON | Mardi Gras 1102 | French Cajun Music! | ● CD |
| 22 tracks, 52 mins, highly recommended Previously available on a long out of print album on Ace this is a wonderful collection of traditional Cajun music at its best. Recorded for Lee Lavergne's Lanor label in the late 50s and early 60 it features Beregeron's expressive voice accompanied by the faultless accordion playing of his father Alphee. Half the tracks are very traditional with Shirley playing acoustic guitar and the duo accompanied by Noah Bourque on fiddle and Marc Savoy on triangle. The other half is a bit more "modern" with Shirley on electric or steel guitar and here Shirley and Alphee are accompanied by a drummer. The music is a mix of originals and traditional favorites like Madame Sosthene/ Poor Hobo and one of my all time favorite Cajun songs J'ai Passe Devant Ta Porte. Superb! (FS) |
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| CAJUN | ROD BERNARD | Edsel EDCD 593 | Cajun Blue - The Crazy Cajun Recordings | ● CD |
| 28 recordings from the Crazy Cajun archives by this
Swamp Pop legend - Jolie Blonde / You're The Reason I'm In Love /
This Should Go On Forever, etc. |
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| CAJUN | JOE BONSALL & THE ORANGE PLAYBOYS | Swallow 6209 | Cajun Jamboree | ● CD |
| 27 tracks, highly recommended Great collection of sides recorded in the 60s and 70s by one of the giants of Cajun music - singer & accordion player Joe Bonsall. Joe started performing in the 1930s but didn't make to record until the early 60s and from 1963 on came under the wing of Cajun DJ, producer and promoter John "Tee Bruce" Broussard who produced most of the recordings here. Joining Joe are his suoperb group The Orange Playboys featuring Wilson LeJeune on steel guitar, Bobby Caswell on rhythm guitar and the great Floyd LeBlanc on fiddle. The material is a mix of original and traditional songs and tunes with the occasional oddity like their French language cover of Jim Croce's Bad, Bad, Leroy Carr but most of it is gorgeous straight ahead traditional style Cajun music. (FS) |
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| CAJUN | VIN BRUCE | Mardi Gras 1105 | Cajun Legend | ● CD |
| 20 tracks, 66 min., very highly recommended The deep-voiced Ervin Bruce began his recording career in 1951 when he signed to Columbia Records, where he stayed until 1956 and where he became one of the earliest Cajun artists to gain national exposure. His latest album seems accurately titled and every track here harkens back to earlier times. The instrumentation is simple and as traditional as Bruce's aesthetic, with the exception of a pedal steel guitar sliding in and out occasionally to remind fans that Bruce used to play at the Grand Ole Opry and is a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He knew Hank Williams too. Fans of true traditional Cajun music need look no farther. Tracks include Les Cadjins Du Bayou/ Palmetto Waltz/ Wrong Road Of Love/ La Valse De La Belle Riviere/ Cest Malheureux/ Le Delaisse, and many others. (JC) |
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| NORTENO | TONY DE LA ROSA | Rounder 6046 | Asi Se Baila En Tejas | ● CD |
| This is how they dance in Texas, as the title tells us.
De La Rosa was an important Tex-Mex innovator in the early 50's, one of
the first to use drums (along with Valerio Longoria), and also adding
amplification to his band. He has come out of semi-retirement to bring
his classic conjunto sound to the modern-day listener on 14 cuts. Don't
expect the eclectic flash of Steve Jordan or Flaco Jimenez here, just
solid no-frills dancefloor material (usually unhurried traditional
polkas and rancheras) with Tony's punchy accordion played to perfection.
(MB) |
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| ARGENTINA | CARLOS GARDEL | ANS 20002 | Grandes Leyendas De La Musica | ● CD |
| Two CD set with 35 tracks from Argentinian tango
pioneer. |
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| AFRICA-SOUTH AFRICA | VALANGA KHOZA | Arc Music EUCD 1516 | Images Of Africa | ● CD |
| 14 songs from Australia based South African born singer
and multi-instrumentalist khoza with varied accompaniments. |
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| TRINIDAD | LORD INVADER | Smithsonian Folkways 40454 | Calypso In New York | ● CD |
| 26 tracks, 73 minutes, recommended Lord Invader was among the most popular calypso artists in Trinidad during the 40's and 50's. Beginning in 1945, Invader made several extended trips to New York, originally to pursuit a plagiarism suit against the Andrew Sisters for recording his song, Rum and Coca Cola (not found here) without permission! During the period 1946-1961 he was recorded on several occasions by Moses Asch, and I believe that this disk is the first CD issue of this material. The material includes the typical topical songs and traditional folk songs associated with the genre in a variety of musical backing, ranging from full calypso orchestras with the flute and clarinet up front, to sparer arrangements featuring African drums and other percussion. 32 page booklet has extensive notes by calypso expert John Cowley with lyrics, bibliography and discography. This release is a most welcome addition to the few recordings of older calypso and is recommended! (DP) |
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| REGGAE | BOB MARLEY & THE WAILERS | Silverline 284537 | African Herbsman (CD/ DVD set) | ● CD |
| CD/DVD (DualDisc), recommended The compelling reason to pick up this oft-reissued album originally released in 1973 is the 10 bonus tracks on the DVD side (it's a double sided disc with CD on one side and DVD on the other) such as Memphis and Copasetic (All In One Version) by The Upsetters and Grooving Kingston 12 (Trenchtown Rock Version) by Marley and The Wailers. The DVD also offers more extensive "liner notes" than the booklet, but reading off the teevee or computer screen is not everyone's idea of a good time. Otherwise, the DVD part offers little. Still, the music should be enough, catching, as it does, a transitional period in the development of Bob Marley and the Wailers as they team up with The Upsetters under producer extraordinaire Lee "Scratch" Perry. It was soon after these sides that Island Records discovered Bob and the rest of the world soon followed. (JC) |
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| CAJUN | D.L. MENARD | Swallow 6125 | D.L. Menard's Cajun Memories | ● CD |
| 15 tracks, 54 mins., recommended Anybody who believes that good trad folk music was all written long ago ain't never heard D.L. Menard. After 40 years on the scene, this acknowledged cultural treasure still writes some of the best Cajun songs ever sung. And his honest, straight-arrow delivery is a joy to hear. Most of these 15 songs are Menard originals, with liner notes by Barry Jean Ancelet, who includes all the lyrics in both Cajun French and English. These lyrics reveal Menard as a writer with a rare gift for observing everyday events and simple emotions and bringing them to life. This is a wonderful set of songs about Cajun life, love, loneliness, hard work, drinking, and dancing. It includes Menard's biggest hit, La Porte d'en Arriere and several others every bit as worthy of saturation play. I think my favorite's the simple La Son de la Nuit. Exquisite. (DC) |
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| CAJUN | D.L. MENARD | Swallow 6219 | Happy Go Lucky | ● CD |
| 12 tracks, recommended Heartfelt, straight from the belt Cajun music from one of its sincerest practioners, D.L. Menard. Although now in his 70s D.L. is continuing to write new songs and while his voice has lost some of it's edge he still sings with a convincing passion. He is accompanied by a group of mostly young musicians who do a good job though the bass and drums are a bit too prominent for my liking. D.L. and his sturdy acoustic guitar romp through 12 two-steps and waltzes in his inimitable fashion. Combining the country feeling of Hank Williams with his deep Cajun roots, he performs such fine songs Les Fous De La Compagne/ Les Portraits Sur La Plafonge/ Il Etait Comme Un Frere/ Une Bamboche and others. All except one song are new compositions D.L. and the one exception is a new recording of one of his classic songs - La Vie D'un Vieux Garcon aka A Bachelor's Life. Not essential but a worthy addition to this great artist's legacy. (FS) |
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| NORTENO | LYDIA MENDOZA | Arhoolie 536 | The Best Of Lydia Mendoza - La Alondra de la Frontera | ● CD |
| 17 tracks, 52 min., very highly recommended Lydia Mendoza, with a powerful and emotionally-charged voice on the order of Portugal's Amalia Rodrigues, became the first great Mexican-American star. This collection is an excellent sampler of Arhoolie's Mendoza releases and spans the great length of her recording career. The earliest cuts from the 1930s include her first and biggest hit Mal Hombre, as well as the previously unreleased gem Adios Muchachos, itself reason enough to pick this up. The CD also includes cuts from the 1950s through the 1980s, and even the latest recordings from 1982 find Mendoza's skill on the 12-string guitar and vocal prowess undiminished. A wonderful introduction to a great artist. Informative 40 page booklet notes include lyrics in Spanish and English. (JC) |
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| CALYPSO | MIGHTY SPARROW | Smithsonian Folkways 40534 | First Flight | ● CD |
| 18 tracks, 77 mins, highly recommended Slinger Francisco, called Birdie or Sparrow for his darting stage moves has remained one of calypso's most popular performers since the beginning of his career in the 1950's Since then he has won an unprecedented eight Calypso Monarch and Road march titles, despite his periodic absence from competition. This collection features some of his earliest sides recorded by pioneering producer Emory Cook between 1956 and 1959 and issued on four LPs on the Cook label. Accompanied by fine groups (uunidentified) he performs catchy and witty calypsos dealing with local Trinidadian politics, the calypso war between Sparrow and Lord Melody, local characters, Russian satellites and the strangely prescient Mad Bomber about a bomber who plants bombs in New York! Includes 16 page booklet with biographical info, discussion of all the songs and some great photos of Sparrow wearing his well deserved crown! (FS) |
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| CUBA | BENNY MORE | ANS 20001 | Grandes Leyendas De La Musica | ● CD |
| 2 CDs, 21 tracks, 69 min., highly recommended You can fuss with the fact that these 21 cuts easily could have fit on one disc, and with the lack of booklet notes and session information. You can even find fault with (at least some of) the music having been transferred from shellac sources. But there is no complaining about the music itself. More was an incredibly influential Cuban musician, and many of these recordings would appear to have been recorded in Havana, probably in the mid-to-late 1950s. At least a track or two (Guajiro, for example) is recorded in Mexico, drawn from More's days singing with Perez Prado And His Orchestra. But the version of A Romper El Coco offered here is apparently not from those sessions, or else it is a different take. But wherever the location and whatever the source, this stuff is great. A nice introduction to a giant of Latin music and jazz. (JC) |
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| JAMAICA/ REGGAE | NINEY THE OBSERVER | Heartbeat 99 | Freaks | ● CD |
| 10 tracks, 37 mins, recommended Legendary reggae producer Niney doesn't put out much solo work, so this album is a treat for reggae fans. Niney's voice (homely as it is, it doesn't detract), his new dancehall style, and some unique songs create an overall good time. Several recent Niney productions have come out on Heartbeat (Yami Bolo, Little John) and most have sounded good, so he's on a hot streak now. Although a little short this album is worthy of Niney's legend, and would make a good buy for a fan of modern dancehall reggae. (MS) |
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| SOUTH AFRICA | SAKHILE | Columbia (South Africa) 8016 | Sakhile | ● CD |
| Lightweight South African soft rock. |
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| PERU | YMA SUMAC | Proper Intro 2086 | Queen Of Exotica - A Proper Introduction To Yma Sumac | ● CD |
| 22 Tracks, 65 mins, recommended Is it real or a hoax? Was Yma Sumac a wondrous folk artifact from far away mystical places, or was she a Brooklyn girl with one of histories greatest P.R. teams behind her? I prefer to believe the exotic myth and revel in the fun of her outlandish recordings. Compared to her recent compilation for ASV/ Living era "The Sun Virgin," the track list on this doesn't go as deep or obscure, but there are 12 tracks on this release that are not included on that title. Plus, the packaging on this is a lot livelier than the ASV outing, with gorgeous photos etc. I wouldn't say that owning both would be necessary, but if I had to pick one of the two, I would go with this one. (JM) |
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| AFRICA-SOUTH AFRICA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | African Cream 11 | The Great South African Trip | ● CD |
| This 2 CD compilation is designed to take the listener
on a music journey through the diverse sounds of South Africa, starting
and ending with a speech from President Nelson Mandela. The music
features a mix of internationally known artists (Hugh Masekela, Miriam
Makeba), artists known to world music cultists (Johnny Clegg, Ladysmith
Black Mambazo), and many lesser known but vibrant talents. All n' all,
The Great South African Trip provides the listener with a good way to
sample the country's rich musical heritage in an attractive package. |
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| PERU | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Arhoolie 400 | From The Mountains To The Sea - Music Of Peru, 1960s | ● CD |
| 27 tracks, 77 minutes, highly recommended Listeners expecting another recording of Andean pan pipes will be as pleasantly surprised as I was when they cue up this disk! There is much more to Peruvian music than that and the proof is right here. Actually the music found on this recording can be generally classified according to two types: The music of the Andean Highlands and the less well known Criolla music of the coastal regions. However, within those broad types exists an incredible diversity of sounds, ranging from the more familiar brass and drum ensembles of the mountains, to sweetly crooned songs of love accompanied by staccato guitar plucking, accordion work outs, and a totally unexpected toe tappin' rock number by Beto Boachet! All tracks are from the catalogue of Discos Smith, a Peruvian label that existed from the late 1950's until the 1970's. These are not field recordings chosen for their cultural significance, rather they represent the labels careful attempts to appeal commercially to specific music markets. In other words this is pop music Peruvian style! The Criolla music is particularly vigorous, a lively mix of tangos, polkas, cumbias, and other Spanish and Afro Caribbean dance rhythms preferred by the urban working class. Latin music lovers who enjoyed the 1995 album The Soul of Black Peru are especially encouraged to check this one out. Sound quality is excellent. (DP) |
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| AFRICA-SOUTH AFRICA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Columbia (South Africa) 3000 | Homebrew, Vol. 3 | ● CD |
| 13 tracks, 43 mins, highly recommended More great South African stylings and with a nice booklets that points out the differences among the various styles. The ever popular Boyoyo Boys are back with more sax jive and this collection also includes some wonderful mbube singing from Amadaduzu which unlike much of this style which is acapella features some very effective and powerful instrumental back up. The South Sotho style with it's riffing accordion and thundering rhythm backup is represented by Amatso Makaota and Limano Lingaka Mabili No. 3. There are also fine sides from Simon Ngobeni (Shangaan), Ndukuziyashisa Nezinyosi ( Pondo traditional - a sub_tribe of the Zulus), Mzikayifani Butheleiz (Zulu) and Dilika (Zulu). Wonderful, exhilarating and moving music. (FS) |
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| AFRICA-SOUTH AFRICA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Columbia (South Africa) 5028 | Homebrew, Vol. 2 | ● CD |
| Another fine collection of traditional styled South
African music. Five of the artists were also featured on volume 1 and
six are new to this colletion. A few tracks show the influences of more
contemporary genres like hip-hop but it's all worthwhile and exciting
including Izigi Zabezayo, Nkuke & the Jopie Sisters, Majakathatha, The
Newcastle Five Roses (a fine acapella vocal group), Mzikayifani
Buthelezi, Molahleli, The Boyo Boys, Dilika and others. |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Documents 223490 | Nuevo Ritmo De La Tierra | ● CD |
| 10 CD set featuring music from Spain, Ghana, Greece, The
Seychelles, Portugal, Egypt, THe Balkans and more. |
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| AFRICA-SOUTH AFRICA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Essential Guide 328 | Essential Guide To South Africa | ● CD |
| Like the other volumes in this extensive series this one
gives the novice listener a primer through which they can ease
themselves into a particular style of music, or in this case, the style
of music unique to a particular region. This one is devoted to the music
of South Africa drawing on recordings made for South Africa's most
important record label Gallo. Like the other volumes, it is three CDs
devoted to different aspects: "Legends & Icons" is devoted to original
hits from internationally renowned stars like Miriam Makeba, Lucky Dube,
Dorthy Masuka, Mahlathini & The Mahotella Queens and Ladysmith Black
Mambazo alongside more local heroes like Phuzekhemesi (whose name means
"drink at the chemist", Joe Mafela and others. "Jazz 'N' Jive, Kwela &
More" explores South African jazz , kwela and "sax jive" including world
famous jazz Trumpeter Hgh Masekela, The African Jazz Pioneers whose
roots reach back to the big bands of the 1950s and the Johannesburg
townships of Alexandra and Sophiatown, ace saxist West Nkosi, Sipho
Mabuse, Stimela and others. "The Urban Groove" showcases rising young
modern urban stars including Joe Nina, one of the pioneers of "kwaito"
and South African favorites Bambata and Pro Kid. Each CD comes with it's
own booklet with notes on the artists and the performances. For anyone
curious about the music South Africa has to offer, this is a relatively
inexpensive way of finding out. |
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| ITALY | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Ethnica 15 | Ballos Sardos, Vol. 1 | ● CD |
| Wonderful collection of Sardinian dance music played on
a wide variety of instruments - solo and groups along with solo and
polyphonic singing. |
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| JEWISH/YIDDISH/ KLEZMER | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Hataklit 9384 | The Feast Of Chanukah | ● CD |
| A collection of 19 songs for Chanukah sung by various
performers. Half the tracks are in Hebrew and the rest in English.
Booklet has transcriptions of the songs but no translations for the
Henbrew songs though some have brief notes. Includes Maoz Tsur/ For
The Chanukah/ Eight days Of Chanukah/ The days Of Chanukah/ Chag
Sameach/ Chanukah Medley/ Chag Hachanukah/ Shining Candles/ Spin & Turn
Dreidl, etc. |
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| REGGAE | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Heartbeat CD HB 104 | Run Rhythm Run | ● CD |
| 18 tracks, 50 min., recommended A collection of rock steady and reggae instrumentals produced in Jamaica by Duke Reid for his Treasure Isle label in the 1960's, most previously unreleased. The liner notes are a bit vague about this, but the featured instrumentalists appear to be the label's normal session musicians, including Tommy McCook, Winston Wright, Sugar Belly, and King Cannon. The titles here bespeak at least a few of the musical and social predilections of the 60's: Uncle Sam, Sure Shot, Bawling People, Psychedelic Reggae, Rocking Soul, Macca Bacca, Found Out, Billy Joe, Work Your Soul, and Moody. Most numbers are mid-tempo. And notes are minimal. Good music for those of you who enjoy tapping out different rhythms with each foot. (DH) |
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| REGGAE | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Heartbeat CD HB 105 | Ska After Ska After Ska | ● CD |
| 21 tracks, 54 minutes, recommended Here's another in a seemingly endless stream of recordings from the Golden Age of Jamaican Ska. This collection was mined from the vaults of the Treasure Isle label run by legendary producer Duke Reid, and contains various hits, lesser known but memorable releases, and some unreleased material. The original Skatalites are present on most of these recordings, and back various vocalists including Eric "Monty" Morris, Lloyd and Glen, and the Techniques; fine examples of the genre are also heard from Justin Hines and the Dominoes doing their classic Carry Go, Bring Come, Lynn Taitt and the Baba Brooks Band's Magnificent Ska, and Derrick Morgan doing Guns Fever. Jamaican music fans who enjoyed Heartbeat's earlier treasure Isle compilations are sure to appreciate this strong collection of tunes as well. (DP) |
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| MISCELLANEOUS | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Music Of The World 148 | Global Voices | ● CD |
| Three CD set, 43 tracks, 162 mins, highly recommended We've turned up a handful of copies of this superb out of print three CD set originally issued in the mid 60s. This is an exciting exploration of vocal-based music from around the world. The first disc is all traditional music and includes some truly amazing vocal percussion from South India, overtone singing from Vietnam and Tuva, a Fijian war chant, a Native American sunrise song from Oklahoma, spine chilling polyphonic singing from Sardinia, sung Hebrew poetry from Yemen and more. The second disc is devoted to sacred music and includes a Croatian choir, a liturgical choral group from Hungary, Buddhist chants, Hindu devotional songs, Sufi chants, African American gospel and more. The third disc features contemporary music including modern acapella stylings, Eastern European improvisations, yodeling, blues, flamenco singing, group singing from Galicia with accompaniment a Breton Folk-rock band and more. Although the third disc is not quite as compelling as the other two there are quite a few very fine tracks here and overall this is a terrific set with outstanding sound and comes with a 56 page booklet with artist photos and discussion of all the performances and some lyric transcripts. (FS) |
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| REGGAE | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Pazzazz 14 | Best Of Ska Core, Vol. 3 | ● CD |
| Now deleted - 13 tracks from Bob Marley, The Melodians,
The Maytals, Burker Barbara, Desmond Dekker and others. |
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| JAMAICA/ REGGAE | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Pressure Sounds 40 | Red Bumb Ball - Rare & Unreleased Rock Steady, 1960-68 | ● CD |
| 22 Tracks, 61 mins, highly recommended Rocksteady--my humble definition: The bridge between Ska and Reggae. Ska styling slowed down to give the musicians room to invent. "Red Bumb Ball" is a fine collection that focuses on Derrick Morgan's productions and performances from the late 1960's. Morgan is a bit of an underappreciated figure nowadays, but one who was very important in the evolution of Ska/ Rocksteady/ Reggae and in the Jamaican music scene since pretty much day one. Includes first release for Morgan's "Hop" record label Red Bumb Ball By Lloyd & Devon, which became a huge hit that got things rolling good for the label and many projects to come. Filled with records for his and many other record labels from 1966 - 1968, this is chock full of great music. Derrick Morgan himself sings I'm the Ruler, and you better believe him. (JM) ROLAND ALPHONSO: Hop Special/ THE BLACK BROTHERS: Give Me Loving/ Lonely World/ THE CONSUMMATES: Do It Now/ The More They Get/ AUSTIN FAITHFUL: Cry No More For Me/ I'm In A Rocking Mood/ THE INVENTORS: Food Of Love/ LLOYD & DEVON: Red Bumb Ball/ DERRICK MORGAN: Bad Luck On Me/ Father Killam/ I'm the Ruler/ Prisoner In Love/ Tears On My Pillow/ The Story (I Wish I Was An Apple)/ Do You Love Me?/ PAULINE MORGAN & THE CONSUMMATES: Give Me A Chance/ ERIC SMITH & THE LOVELETTS: I've Been Searching/ THE VICEROYS: Let Him Go (Wrap It Up)/ Walkie Talkie/ Every Day/ Give It To Him |
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| VARIOUS ARTISTS | Proper BOX 142 | Steelin' It - The Steel Guitar Story | ● CD |
|
| Entertaining 100 - track history of the steel guitar in
its various guises, from its Hawaiin origins to its prominent role in
American Western Swing and mainstream Country music. It covers the years
1925 to 1957. The first CD features 25 examples of Hawaii's foremost
exponents of the instrument, famous and obscure. The other three discs
chronicle the use and development of lap steel guitar , resonator guitar
, console/table steel guitar and pedal steel guitar in American Wester n
Swing and mainstream Country and Rockabilly , along the way showcasing
all the main acts who made the instruments such an integral part of
their sound . Includes Andy Sanella, Sam Ku West, Jim & Bob - The Genial
Hawaiians, Bob Dunn (accompanying Milton Brown, Modern Mountaineers and
others), Leon McAuliffe, Ted Daffan, The High Flyers, Spade Cooley,
Ernest Tubb, Cecil Campbell & The Tennessee Ramblers, Tiny Murphy & His
Bar 69 Cowboys, Shot Jackson, Billy Walker, Charlie Feathers, Onie
Wheeler, Bill Haley & His Comets and lots more. SHELLY LEE ALLEY: I've Got the Blues #2/ Train Whistle Blues/ LES ANDERSON: And I Shook/ This Is Southland/ H.M. BARNES AND HIS BLUE RIDGE RAMBLERS: Honolulu Stomp/ JOHNNY BOND: I Won't Stand In Your Way/ John's Other Wife/ The Daughter Of Jole Blon/ BILL BOYD & HIS COWBOY RAMBLERS: Jitterbug Jive/ BILLY BRIGGS: Down In New Orleans/ Pretty Baby Boogie/ MILTON BROWN & HIS BROWNIES: Takin' Off/ CLIFF BRUNER & HIS BOYS: Kelly Swing/ CECIL CAMPBELL & THE TENNESSEE RAMBLERS: Campbell's Steel Guitar Special/ Steel Guitar Hop/ SPADE COOLEY: Boggs Boogie/ Spadella/ Steel Guitar Rag/ Texas Steel Guitar/ TED DAFFAN: Car Hop's Blues/ Weary Steel Blues/ Blue Steel Blues/ AL DEXTER: Down At The Roadside Inn/ LITTLE JIMMY DICKENS: I've Just Got To See You Once More/ BOB DUNN'S VAGABONDS: Stompin' At The Honky Tonk/ MELVIN ENDSLEY: I Ain't Getting' Nowhere With You/ CHARLIE FEATHERS: I've Been Deceived/ Peepin' Eyes/ TERRY FELL: That's The Way The Big Ball Bounces/ Wham Bam Hot Ziggity Zam/ FOUR HAWAIIAN GUITARS: Black Boy Blues/ BILL HALEY & THE COMETS: Is It True What They Say About Dixie/ THE HAWAIIAN BEACHCOMBERS: Breezy Hawaiian Melody/ JIMMY HEAP & THE MELODY MASTERS: Dessau Waltz/ THE HI-FLYERS: Juke Box Jump/ SOL HOOPII & HIS NOVELTY QUARTET: An Orange Grove In California/ SOL HOOPII & HIS NOVELTY FOUR: Iniki Malie/ SOL HOOPII & HIS NOVELTY QUARTET: Oh Lady Be Good/ LEODIE JACKSON: Double Crossin' Mama/ Steeling The Blues/ SHOT JACKSON: Steeling The Mood/ JIM & BOB - THE GENIAL HAWAIIANS: By The Waters Of Minnietonka/ Saint Louis Blues/ KALAMA'S QUARTET: Wai O Minnehaha/ KANUI & LULA: Ua Like No A like/ SAM KU WEST: Farewell Blues/ St Louis Blues/ The Memphis Blues/ MERL LINDSAY & HIS OKLAHOMA NITE RIDERS: Safety Pin Rag/ Slidin' Steel/ THE LONE STAR COWBOYS: Steel Guitar Bounce/ SEGIS LUVAUN: Wela-Ka-Hao/ ROSE MADDOX: Looky There Over There/ JOE MAPHIS: Fire On The Strings/ BUSTER MARTIN: Herbie's Steel Guitar Polka/ LEON MCAULIFFE: Steel Guitar Rag/ Take It Away Leon/ Twin Guitar Boogie/ CHARLES MITCHELL: Mean Mama Blues/ MODERN MOUNTAINEERS: Taking Off/ TAU MOE & THE ORIGINAL HAWAIIANS: Hula Blues/ Rhythm Of The Islands/ GEORGE MORGAN: Be Sure You Know/ BILL MOUNCE: I Found A New Baby/ TINY MURPHY & HIS BAR 69 BOYS: Hot Steel/ KING NAWAHI'S HAWAIIANS: Hawaiian Capers/ ROY NEWMAN: Dust Off That Old Piano/ PALAKIKO & PAALUHI: Honolulu March/ HANK PENNY: Remington Ride/ Steel Guitar Stomp/ WEBB PIERCE: I Need You Like A Hole In The Head/ MARVIN RAINWATER: Where Do We Go From Here/ SLIM RHODES: Gonna Romp And Stomp Tonight/ Uncertain Love/ ANDY SANELLA: Blues Of The Guitar/ Slidin' On The Frets/ TOMMY SARGENT: Steel Guitar Boogie/ ROY SMECK HAWAIIAN ORCH: Kalima Waltz/ ROY SMECK'S SERENADERS: Guitarese/ Limehouse Blues/ Slippery Fingers/ SONS OF DIXIE: Don't Ever Go Wrong/ SONS OF THE WEST: Panhandle Rag/ Sally's Got A Wooden Leg/ FLOYD TILLMAN: I Don't Care Anymore/ ERNEST TUBB: Don't Look Now (But Your Broken Heart Is Showing)/ So Round So Firm So Fully Packed/ WAIKIKI HAWAIIAN TRIO: My Best Girl/ BILLY WALKER: Mexican Joe/ SPEEDY WEST: Stratosphere Boogie/ Speedin' West/ ONIE WHEELER: A Beggar For Your Love/ A Booger Gonna Getcha/ HANK WILLIAMS & THE DRIFTING COWBOYS: Settin' The Woods On Fire/ BOB WILLS: Steel Guitar Stomp/ Steel Guitar Rag/ Texas Playboy Rag/ Stay A Little Longer/ FARON YOUNG: I'm Gonna Live Some Before I Die/ Shame On You |
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| CARIBBEAN | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Rounder 1721 | Caribbean Voyage - 1962, Caribbean Sampler | ● CD |
| 31 tracks, 74 mins, highly recommended This and its subsequent two albums draw on the previously unissued field recordings made by Alan Lomax in 1962 in the Lesser Antilles and eastern Caribbean. The Caribbean is the home of many encounters between European and African cultures resulting in an incredibly diverse spectrum of musical style ranging from a traditional French ballad recorded in St. Barthelemy to an Aradan (Dahomey) song recorded in Carriacou. This introductory volume covers most of the islands he visited - Dominica, St Lucia, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Trinidad and more. The repertoire includes Jing-ping music. a unique recording of Yoruba ceremony on Grenada, play songs, steel band music, story songs, an anthem, calypso and much more. Some songs are sung in French, some in English and some in French derived creole. There isn't enough room to describe the vast spectrum of music here - suffice to say it is consistently exciting and appealing! (FS) |
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| TRINIDAD | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Rounder 1840 | Calypso After Midnight | ● CD |
| Recently discovered recordings made at a calypso concert
held at New York's Town Hall in December 1946. Sponsored by People's
Songs and hosted by Alan Lomax it featured Lord Invader, the Duke Of
Iron, Macbeth the Great and Gerald Clark and his Invaders. Songs include
Calypso Invasion/ Ugly Woman/ Run And Coca-Cola/ Three Friend's
Advice/ Exporing/ Tie-Tongue Baby and others. |
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| TRINIDAD | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Rounder 1841 | Calypso After Midnight | ● CD |
| The second half of the concert. Songs include Don't
Stop The Carnival/ That Game Named Poker/ The GI & The Lady/ Roosevelt
In Trinidad/ Yankee Dollar, etc. |
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| BAHAMAS | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Rounder 5035 | Kneelin' Down Inside The Gate - Great Rhyming Singers | ● CD |
| 15 tracks, 44 min., essential We've turned up a few copies of this great out of print set. These recordings of the great rhyming singers of the Bahamas come from 1965 sessions by Peter Siegel and Jody Stecher. Those of us who have heard the 1965 & 1978 Nonesuch albums The Real Bahamas - In Music And Song will know what to expect - beautifully sung Bahaman spirituals by Frederick McQueen (3), Bruce Green & Group (4), Stanley Thompson & Group (2), Shelton Swain & Group (1), and Joseph Spence & The Pinder Family (4). Rhyming means vocalizing verses against a melodic background of voices, with the lead 'rhymer' improvising the narrative part while the (usually 2 or 3) acappella background singers actually sing the song. The highlights are many but the Frederick McQueen & Rev. W. G. McPhee duets on Shepherd Moan and Long Summer Days, and Shelton Swain & Group's Oh Jesus My Baby represent some of the most beautiful, ceremonious and earthbound music recorded. The CD ends with a moving Joseph Spence performance, What A Beautiful Home, recorded at Peter Siegel's NYC home. This is a perfect record, and until Elektra Nonesuch reissues the two 'Real Bahamas' albums, the single best example of Bahaman rhyming singing. (EL) |
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| NORTENO | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Rounder 6030 | Conjunto! Texas-Mexican Border Music, Vol. 3 | ● CD |
| 16 tracks, highly recommended Third volume in Rounder's excellent four-volume series collecting Conjunto records licensed from small labels such as Freddie, Del Bravo, Joey and House of Falcon. Like the first two volumes, it's hard to stand still when listening to this folk music which is intended for dancing. Conjunto utilizes accordian, bajo sexto (a 12-string Mexican guitar), bass and drums. Featured artists include Los Tremendos Gavilanes, Los Dos Gilbertos, Tony de la Rosa and Valerio Longoria, in addition to the better known Flaco Jimenez, Santiago Jimenez and Steve Jordan. (RS) |
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| CAJUN | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40006 | Cajun Social Music | ● CD |
| Classic 1975 field recordings done by French fan, Gerald
Dole, which catches down-home performances by such greats as Nathan
Abshire and Allie Young, near the end of their recording careers, and
early recordings by Marc Savoy (on fiddle & accordion), plus Sady
Courville, Hector & Bessyl Duhon, and Rodney Balfa. Rough and
unprettified, these are cajuns singing their music their way, for the
enjoyment of it. (JMC) |
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| HAWAII | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40014 | Puerto Rican Music In Hawaii | ● CD |
| 16 tracks, 42 min., good Recorded, photographed and noted by ethnomusicologist Ted Solis in the mid 1980s, this release (predictably enough) documents Puerto Rican music in Hawaii. (Puerto Ricans originally came to the islands as plantation laborers at the turn of the previous century.) These field tapes were recorded at a front yard barbecue, an Epiphany service in a church, at dances, in bars and elsewhere. Understandably, the price of such authenticity is paid in sound quality. The music itself is generally Latin based and interesting. Representative selections include The Latin Gentlemen performing a Hawaiian song as a bolero, and Los Guepos' guaracha Maiditos Besos. Comes with detailed notes (with lyrics in Spanish and English), but they're printed on an oversize piece of paper folded into the size of a wallet photo. For fans of the form or those wishing to scratch this particular historical itch. (JC) |
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| CARIBBEAN | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40405 | The Bahamas - Islands Of Song | ● CD |
| 23 tracks, 64 mins, essential This sensational disc contains some of the freshest, most soulful and unpretentious music you will hear anywhere! Listeners familiar with Joseph Spence or the classic Nonesuch recordings "The Real Bahamas" will have some idea what to expect. Bahamian music is primarily storytelling in song, in styles developed from African influences, music of the church, and other sources. This album contains a wide variety of music, both vocal and instrumental. All the tracks share an upbeat and sunny quality so strong you can almost see the broad smiles of the performers through your speakers! Listen to the beautiful acapella gospel harmonies of the Dicey Doh Singers on "You Ain't Hurryin' Me" and the island classic "Sloop John B", and the Sons of Andros singing "Christian Automobile" and "Rain Children". Israel Forbes, a contemporary of Spence, sings and accompanies himself on electric guitar on the great blues tune, "I'm Going Home on the Morning Train" and "Let Me Call You Sweetheart". Nat Saunders plays banjo and sings "Lynn", a love song to a woman from Grand Bahama. Several examples of goombay music played by "rake and scrape" dance bands are included. These ensembles are composed of accordion, drum and musical saw and sound similar to the boom and chime bands of Belize. These are recent recordings from the 1990's and the sound is excellent. Don't miss this one! (DP) |
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| CARIBBEAN | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40416 | Musical Traditions Of St. Lucia, West Indies | ● CD |
| 32 tracks, 70 min., recommended An ethnomusicologist's view of the rich musical traditions of this Caribbean island, compiled by Jocelyne Guilbault and Embert Charles between 1975 and 1987. According to Guilbault's liner notes, the people of St. Lucia are mostly descended from slaves and are famous for "keeping alive their oral traditions," with "every holiday, political commemoration, and annual feast day. . .marked by music." The normal language of song is a French creole, reflecting the long dominant French influence on local culture. Musical instruments include the violin, guitar, and mandolin of European origin; drums and other percussion instruments of African origin; and the four stringed cuatro thought to be native. The program itself is divided into Beach Party and Game Songs, Seasonal Music, Kele Music, Kwadril Dancing, Music at Funeral Wakes, and the music of the Lamargrit and Lawoz social organizations. Interesting music, performed by non-professionals. (DH) |
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| INDONESIA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40420 | Music Of Indonesia Vol. 4 - Nias And North Sumatra | ● CD |
| 16 tracks, 73 min., essential This series comes highly recommended, with volume 4 being a favorite. Two branches of the Batak people (Karo and Toba), both from the island of Sumatra, are represented, along with the Ono Niha, an ethnic group from the neighboring island of Nias who practice robust choral vocal music on 4 pieces. Two selections, one vocal and one instrumental, document energetic Karo expression, highlighting busy drums, gongs, and a continuously-blown oboe. This frenetic pace is magnified in the fascinating ritual music of the Toba people, conveyed on the final 10 cuts here. Buzzing oboe is a constant feature, paired with tuned drums, xylophone or lute to play the convoluted instrumental melodies, often at intensely exciting speeds. Though there are parallels with the hypnotic Jajouka sounds of Morocco, there is really nothing else like this music, and other recordings are so scarce that this well-recorded disc qualifies as an ethnic essential. (MB) |
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| SOUTHEAST ASIA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40456 | Bamboo On The Mountains | ● CD |
| 38 tracks, 73 minutes, recommended Yet another release in Smithsonian Folkways' detailed exploration of the traditional music of Southeast Asia, these field recordings from the 1980's and 1990's document the sounds of the Kmhmu. This people, whose homeland is the highlands of Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand, rely on bamboo for the construction of their instruments, a variety of reed oboes, panpipes, flutes, mouth organs, and blowing tubes. Kmhmu musical culture is incredibly varied, so much so that the edited recordings on the disk represent only a portion of the styles to be found there. I was particularly charmed by the beautiful singing of Thong Phetdala a 17 year old girl from the Luang Prabang district of Laos. On other tracks, singers hum and whisper lyrics through side blown toot flutes, creating an otherworldly sound like nothing I have ever heard! This album is not easy listening by any means, but repeated play will reward the listener with a very rich and moving musical experience. (DP) |
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| NORTENO | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40477 | Taquachito Nights | ● CD |
| 19 tracks, 69 minutes, highly recommended This release offers a generous selection of lively Norteno dance tunes recorded at the 16 de Septembre Conjunto Festival in San Benito Texas in 1998. Various groups, both well known and less so, are heard pumping out mostly rancheros and polkas with the occasional cumbia and bolero for an enthusiastic crowd. Well known groups, including Valerio Longoria y Su Conjunto and Tony de la Rosa turn in fine performances, but the real interest for me was the chance to hear bands I was not familiar with, such as Gilberto Perez y Sus Compadres, Ernesto Guerra y Su Conjunto (whose La Sicodelica features some dynamite guitar picking!), and Ricardo Guzman y Los Tres Aces. The booklet features several essays on Conjunto Music and related subjects and English translations of the lyrics. Lovers of the rich musical traditions of South Texas and the border region will definitely want to add this one to their collection! (DP) |
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| CUBA | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40490 | Matanzas, Cuba 1957 | ● CD |
| 26 tracks, 70 minutes, essential The subtitle of this CD says it all-"Afro Cuban sacred music from the countryside." On this CD Lydia Cabrera and Josefina Tarafa do for bembe lukumi Santeria drumming what the Lomaxes did for American folk music, producing an invaluable and historic record of the African roots of modern Afro-Cuban music. (JV) |
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| AFRICA-MALI | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Smithsonian Folkways 40508 | Mali Lolo! Stars Of Mali | ● CD |
| Superb compilation featuring 16 tracks by some of Mali's
finest performers. Though contemporary the sound throughout is strongly
rooted in traditional sounds. Includes Kasse Mady Diabate, Habib Koite &
Bamada, Yoro Sidibe, Toumani Diabate & Ballake Sissoko, Tinariwen, Lobi
Traore, Neba Solo, Les Esrocs, Super Rail Band and others. Includes 32
page booklet with detailed notes by African music expert Banning Eyre.
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| JAMAICAN/ REGGAE | VARIOUS ARTISTS | Soul Jazz 50 | Studio One Soul | ● CD |
| 18 tracks, 60 mins, recommended Another solid compilation from London-based Soul Jazz Records, this one contains more Reggae artists re-interpreting American R&B from the late 60's and early 70's. Highlights include Leroy Sibbles' Express Yourself (originally by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band), Norma Fraser's Respect (Aretha Franklin by way of Otis Redding), The Heptones' Message From a Black Man (The Temptations), Otis Gayle's I'll Be Around (The Spinners), The Eternals' Queen of the Minstrels (aka Minstrel and Queen, The Impressions), and Ken Booth's Set Me Free (aka You Keep Me Hanging On, The Supremes but this version resembles Vanilla Fudge's arrangement). Not everything here comes off perfectly, but even the misfires are interesting in the continuing examination of the influence of American R&B on Reggae music. (GMC) |
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| TUVA | YAT-KHA | RCA 63351 | Dalai Beldiri | ● CD |
| Three member group (with various guest musicians)
performing Tuvan folk music traditional and contemporary with both
traditional and contemporary instrumentation including occasional use of
heavily distorted electric guitar. |
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