Bulletin - November/ December
2009
Ethnic & World Music
Blind
Blake ->
Various Artists
| BAHAMAS |
BLIND BLAKE |
Megaphone 22 |
& THE ROYAL VICTORIA HOTEL CALYPSOS:
Bahamian Songs |
$18.98 |
28 tracks, recommended
No, not the pre-war blues singer and guitarist - this is the
Bahamian calypso singer Alphonso Blake Higgs aka Blind Blake. Blake
started his recording career in 1935 recording a controversial
calypso Love, Love Alone about the love affair between King
Edward VIII and Mrs. Wallis Simpson which is included here in a
version from the early 50s. Blake and his group The Royal Victoria
Hotel Calypsos were popular Bahaman performers and performed
regularly until Blake's death in 1985. The recordings here were made
in the early 50s and issued in the USA on the obscure Art label.
Blake is accompanied by guitars, maracas, bass fiddle and occasional
trumpet. Blake's music was a blend of traditional Island songs, more
recent topical calypsos along with American blues, jazz and pop
songs. Songs include J.P. Morgan/ Never Interfere With Man And
Wife/ Run Come See Jerusalem/ Delia Gone/ Lord Got Tomatoes/ Go Down
Emmanuel Road/ Foolish Frog/ MOnkey Song, etc. Blake was not the
most exciting or original calypso performer but his music is
inevitably engaging and entertaining. (FS)
|
| CAJUN |
VIN BRUCE |
Mardi Gras 1105 |
Cajun Legend |
$16.98 |
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)
|
| CAJUN |
JOHNNY JANOT |
Swallow 6170 |
I'm Proud To Be Cajun - The
Essential Collection |
$15.98 |
19 tracks, 50 min., recommended
Janot made a living on the fringes of the music business for nearly
30 years before his death in 1984, moving from from country to
rockabilly to Cajun. Swallow released his first Cajun LP in 1983 (LP
5060), "Expose Yourself To Cajun Music And Johnny Janot," featuring
a rain-coat clad flasher on the cover. The posthumous "Cajuns Are
Tuff!" followed in 1991. This album collects the best of his Cajun
sides, including Gabriel And Madeline/ Kaplan Waltz/ Jolie
Blonde/ Couche Couche And Ky-Yay/ We Did It To One Another, and
I Went Dancing Last Night, fine cuts all, especially that
last one. The talking-Cajun type cuts (I'm Proud To Be A Cajun/
Cajun True Or False {in English}, and Cajun Paradise {not
in English}) make strong medicine and do not reward repeated spins.
The humorous My Dog Sex (which could stand a comma) is not so
much a song as a joke and not an entirely funny one. So pick this up
for the more traditional Cajun sides that Janot rightly considered
his best work. (JC)
|
| AFRICA-ZIMBABWE |
THOMAS MAPFUMO & THE ACID BAND |
Water 236 |
Hokoyo |
$15.98 |
Reissue of legendary Zimbabwean artist Thomas Mapfumo
originally issued at the height of the Rhodesian war in 1976. The
only album featuring The Acid Band it was the first full length
release of the Mapfumo coined musical genre "Chimurenga" meaning
"struggle"
|
| CAJUN |
JIMMY C. NEWMAN |
Jasmine 488 |
The Original Cry, Cry Darling -
Early Cajun Recordings |
$15.98 |
28 tracks, 77 min., very highly recommended
Collects every record cut by Newman for the Fais-Do-Do, Feature,
Modern, and Khoury's labels, the pre-Dot stuff recorded in the
1940s-50s for Jay D. Miller, his earliest work. In fact, this
release includes Newman's first recordings, as a member (rhythm
guitarist) of Chuck Guillory's Rhythm Boys (Tolan Waltz/ Teiyut
Two Step/ Chuck's Waltz, and Chere Petite, which Newman
wrote and sings on, his earliest vocal performance on disc) as well
as the record released by Jimmy Durbin & The Country Boys (Drunkard's
Waltz and Fais Do Do Two-Step), which features Newman.
Also included are the mega-rare H-Brown Shuffle, a charming
advertising song (the first under Newman's own name), presumably in
"payment" for the trailer Newman's band rode in, and Wondering.
The last four cuts are unreleased Feature tracks. A model release of
the earliest Cajun days of the future Grand Ole Opry star, who has
dozens of country hits. Newman was a first-class balladeer whose
emotive vocals here should find broad appeal to fans of early
country music as well as those interested in the development of
Cajun music. And of course, it's a must-have for Newman fans.
Informative booklet notes too. (JC)
|
| CUBA |
EDDIE PALMIERI |
Fania 130 159-2 |
Superimposition |
$11.98 |
6 tracks, 36 mins, highly recommended
Eddie Palmieri is one of the leading Latin Jazz pianists, despite
his never having managed a breakthrough into the American
mainstream. His influences are Herbie Hancock, Thelonious Monk, and
McCoy Tyner, which not surprising given his willingness to
experiment with fusions of Latin and non-Latin music. Originally
released in 1971, Superimposition finds Palmieri mixing extended
versions of well known dance numbers with original compositions,
with the pure Jazz elements more obvious than ever. This is a
classic CD that is revered among Latin musicians; Eddie and his
band, La Perfecta, smoke from beginning to end. The album maybe
short (and what album wasn't in the early 70's), but the time is
well spent. (GMC)
|
| CUBA |
TITO PUENTE |
Fania 130 430-2 |
The Complete 78s, Vol. 3 |
$19.98 |
Third volume in the series of re-issues documenting
Latin Jazz pioneer Puente's earliest sides as a band leader. The
series of songs recorded for the Tico label between 1949 and 1955
shows a different side to the artist than the recordings he made
around the same time frame for RCA; while his RCA sides tended
toward swing band crossovers, his Tico sides catered strictly to his
core audience in Spanish Harlem and consisted of mostly hard mambos
with the occasional ballad or bolero thrown in. Consequently, these
songs-made for the hardcore faithful, in the manner of Charlie
Parker's recordings for Dial or Duke Ellington's recordings for Okeh-show
a different aspect of Puente's artistry and are therefore
invaluable. Among the musicians that are featured here are Willie
Bobo, Mongo Santamaria, and Charlie Palmieri, and vocalist Gilberto
Monroig.
|
| CUBA |
TITO PUENTE |
Fania 130 480-2 |
The Complete 78s, Vol. 4 |
$19.98 |
The fourth and final volume in this invaluable
series documenting the Tico recordings of this Latin jazz giant. Two
CDs featuring 36 tracks, probably from 1954/55 period (there is no
dating included in the documentation) when Puente's band did not
have a lead singer and the majority of tracks are instrumental with
occasional vocal by Puente himself or percussionist Willie Bobo.
Lots of Puente original here along with Latin standards like Los
Tamalitos De Olga (Hot Tamales) and Pare Cachero and
Latin renditions of American pop songs like My Funny Valentine
and Invitation.
|
| AFRICA-MALI |
THE RAIL BAND |
Sterns 3033/4 |
Belle Epoque 1 - Soundiata |
$16.98 |
2 CD, 11 tracks, 100 mins, recommended
The Rail Band is the West African equivalent to Britain's John
Mayall's Blues Breakers, i.e. an influential group that served as a
proving ground for some soon-to-be big names in their respective
country's music scene. That description is only partially accurate,
but it does serve a purpose in that Western listeners have something
familiar to liken this legendary band to. Formed in 1970, the Rail
Band were the first group to combine Afro-Cuban Jazz with
traditional Malian music. This seemingly simple action proved to be
very popular within Africa and sealed the group's success. The band
went through three distinct periods: 1970 to 1972, when Salif Keita
(who became a huge star in his own right later) was the lead singer;
1972 to 1976, when Mory Kante was one of the featured vocalists; and
1977 to 1983, when the band went through some turbulence and
re-invention. This first of three compilations documenting that
decade jumps all over the place, chronologically speaking, but Keita
and Kante are both well represented. Musically, the songs can be
highly melodic and mesmerizing (Soundiata L'Exil) or somewhat
dissonant and complex (Maliyo), but never dull. This music is
not for everyone-it might be dynamic enough for some people-but for
those who don't mind being transported to another time and place
through these hypnotic sounds, then step right on up. (GMC)
|
| AFRICA-MALI |
THE RAIL BAND |
Sterns 3039/40 |
Belle Epoque 2 - Mansa |
$16.98 |
The second volume in the trilogy of CDs documenting
the Rail Band's first decade contains fewer epics (no 27 minute
track here, unlike the previous volume), more of the comforting
vocals of Salif Keita (including three more tracks - Rail Band/
Koro Koni and Gansana - from their first LP, "Orchestre
Rail Band de Bamako" [1970]), and more representation from the
group's other singers. Later, different singers were needed to sing
for different audiences; hence, the presence of elderly Malenke
singer Djelimandy Sissoko and Bambara singer Magan Ganessy, both of
whom are prominently featured here.
|
| AFRICA-SOUTH AFRICA |
SOUL BROTHERS |
Gallo 1025 |
The Best Of Soul Brothers |
$13.98 |
20 tracks, 76 mins, recommended
Soul Brothers are one of South Africa's most popular and long lived
mbaqanga artists. Formed in 1974 the group has had a number of
changes over the years but has always featured the silky quavery
lead vocals of David Masanto and the harmony vocals and keyboard
work of Moses Ngwenya. There is no information about the dates of
the tracks on this "Best Of" collection and as their sound has
remained remarkably consistent over the years all you can do is sit
back and enjoy it and not worry about details. The Soul Brothers
play a style of mbaqanga that is much smoother than most other
artists. You might even call it silky but the sound is full of
delightful details in the guitar work, while the sax and keyboards
provide an interlocked jiving groove that rides comfortably over the
firm bass and drum foundation, with some fine riffing in the
instrumental parts. Though perhaps not quite as exciting as some of
their contemporaries their music is a joy to listen to. (FS)
|
| GREECE |
VASSILIS TSITSANIS |
JSP JSPCD 77123 |
Rembetika 4 : The Postwar Years |
$19.98 |
Four CD set, 92 tracks, very highly recommended
The fourth volume from JSP and compiler Charles Howard devoted to
that wonderful Greek musical style known as rembetika and the second
volume devoted to the great composer and bouzouki player Vassilis
Tsitsanis. In spite of his formal education the music of Tsitsanis
infused with sensitivity and soul. He composed almost all the songs
on the set and provides bouzouki accompaniment and second vocals to
such great singers as Efstratios Payioumidzis (better known as "Stratos"),
Stellakis Perpiniadhis, Stella Haskil, Sotiria Bellou, Yiorgos
Mitsakis and others. In addition to Tsitsanis's stellar bouzouki
playing we also hear tracks with guitar, accordion and clarinet. The
sound quality is outstanding and the booklets have brief
biographical notes, outlines of the songs, a glossary of terms and
discographical details. Dusky and smoky as the taverns where it was
played, this is timeless music suffused with a profound sense of the
joyfulness and the strivings of life. Tsitsanis' musicianship is
nothing short of astounding and he plays with both great virtuosity
and effortless ease. The whole gamut of human emotion and experience
is evoked, playful and flirtatious one minute, yearning and
melancholy the next. Though these post war recordings are perhaps
not quite as compelling as the pre-war recordings they are
consistently superb and this set is indispensible for lovers of
Greek music and anyone who wants to explore some truly great music
from foreign lands. Previous volumes (JSP 7776, 77105 and 77111 are
equally indispensible. (FS/ DP)
|
| JAMAICA |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
Debutante 565 156-2 |
And This Is A Ska Explosion |
$14.98 |
20 tracks, 56 mins, highly recommended
Ska music appears to be making a comeback, especially in England and
this compilation is a good way for the uninitiated to hear what the
fuss is about. Originally released in 1998 but reissued in 2007,
this CD collects the cream of the 60's ska scene: Prince Buster,
Duke Reid, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Justin Hinds & the Dominoes,
and The Skatalites to name a few. Even the lesser known (to
non-fans) names - Monty Morris, Roland Alphonso, the Blues Busters
(basically this genre's equivalent of Sam & Dave), Shenley Duffus -
are more than worthy of your attention. A few included performers
aren't really considered "ska"; the The Paragons (represented by the
original version of The Tide is High, which was hit covered
by Blondie in the 80's) were actually more pop oriented with
rocksteady window dressing. But this is a minor quibble, because all
of this music way good fun and a rockin' good time. (GMC)
|
| FRANCE |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
Fremeaux & Associes 5263 |
France: Une Anthologie Des Musiques-Auvergne
Et Limousi |
$24.98 |
31 track collection of traditional music from the
Auvergne and Limousin areas of France. This is one of a series of
ten CDs featuring music from various regions of France. Most of
these field recordings are from the 70s and 80s though some are
earlier including one vocal from 1912 and one as late as 1998. About
half the tracks are unaccompanied vocals and the rest are
instrumental including performances on fiddle, hurdy gurdy, bagpipes
and accordion. The 24 page booklet has extensive notes in French and
brief introductory notes in England.
|
| MIDDLE EAST |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
Honest Jon's 039 |
Open Strings |
$21.98 |
2CD, 30 tracks, 129 mins, highly recommended
The latest archival collection from the folks at Honest Jon's
consists of pre-war recordings of Middle Eastern music culled from
the EMI Hayes vaults. Like HJ's other compilations ("Sprigs of
Time," "Give Me Love," "Living is Hard"), "Open Strings" brings to
light some compelling and beautiful music that had been lost for far
too long. Transferred from the original 78s, this music comes from
Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey and much of it appears to be played on
violin, oud, and bouzouki. Unfortunately, this collection, unlike
previous ones, contains no liner notes or background information on
the artists, which is a shame since it would have been interesting
to have some historical back story on these recordings. But the lack
of info doesn't diminish the sonic majesty of this music, all of
which is mournful, haunting, and exuberant, sometimes within the
same piece. The "New Responses" of the second disc consists of
contemporary interpretations of Middle Eastern music; these modern
tracks lack the rough charm of the 78 sides, but do make good use of
the influences and produce some very entertaining music, especially
Bruce Licher's Mesopotamia, Sir Richard Bishop's Olive
Oasis, and Goat, Thorns and Brick by Six Organs of
Admittance. There are some people who will no doubt look down upon
the modern recordings and wish they hadn't been included, but
regardless of your opinion of them, the modern tracks don't take
anything away from the 1920's tracks and indeed, help to show how
important the discovery of these lost recordings is and how lucky we
are to have them back. (GMC)
|
| JEWISH/ YIDDISH/ KLE |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
JSP JSPCD 5201 |
Cantors, Klezmorim And Crooners,
1905-1953 |
$19.98 |
Just arrived. Three CD set with 67 tracks and 72
page illustrated booklet. A varied selection of Yiddish music
drawing on the record collection of Sherry Mayrent - the world's
largest private collection of Yiddish music. Compiled and annotated
by Henry Sapoznik and remastered by Christopher King it features
klezmer music, cantorial music, popular singers and more including
Naftule Brandwein, Oscar Julius Quartet, MIchael Rosenberg, Cantor
David Roitman, Molly Picon, Sam Finkle, Ambrose & His Orchestra, The
Feder Sisters, Cantor Joseph Rosenblatt, Kandel's Orchestra, Sholem
Aleichem, Art Shryers Yiddish Orchestra, Cantor Isiah Meisels,
Sophie Tucker, Moishe Oysher And Florence Weiss, Aaron Lebedeff and
many more. 42 tracks have never been reissued before.
|
| THAILLAND |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
Sublime Frequencies 042 |
Shadow Music Of Thailand |
$16.98 |
17 tracks, 45 mins, highly recommended
This is the kind of esoteric collection that certain music fans will
absolutely love. Akin to classic Bollywood soundtrack music from the
1960s, "Shadow Music" is Thailand's groovy take on western Rock 'N'
Roll. Drawing its biggest influence from instrumental Surf and Hot
Rod music in general and the work of the great English instrumental
band The Shadows in particular, there is a lot to love about this
sub-genre. The key artists playing "Shadow Music" were Pocket Music
(shortened to P.M.), The Son of P.M., P.M. 7, Johnny Guitar, and
Jupiter, are all here and all delivering fantastic tracks. One thing
about this collection that left me wondering was what the song
titles were, since they are not in English for the most part, I
wonder what kooky names they may have come up with for their
instrumental wonders. Fans of "Incredibly Strange Music" and other
offbeat movements will definitely enjoy! (JM)
|
| DOMINICAN REPUBLIC |
VARIOUS ARTISTS |
World Music Network 1171 |
The Rough Guide To Merengue |
$14.98 |
The Rough Guides have long been an easy way for the
beginner to learn about foreign music, and this entry into the
series is no exception. Taken as a primer to learn the basics of
Merengue music, this CD succeeds; the music is more pop oriented
Merengue that's made for the dance floor, but that's an advantage
since the dancability makes the music more accessible to the novice.
The notes are well researched, giving good background on the music's
history; in short, if you're interested in Merengue music, this is a
good place to start.
|
Back To New Release Index
Back
To Home Page
|
