Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou

Amazon.com
When someone is struck with a truly great notion, like this record's concept, you feel grateful, and at the same time you wonder why no one thought of it before. This disc is clearly made from a near-sacred mission to redeem Haiti and its vodou culture. During slavery days, Jacob Boukman, who was shipped from Jamaica to Haiti, created vodou out of the elements common to the slaves' various tribal origins. Vodou's potpourri of spirit, rhythm, and melody is, indeed, every bit as rapturous as its ideal of human community. Lolo Beabrun, lead singer of Boukman Eksperyans (who turn in two tracks here) has said that so many vodou rhythms are played in tiny villages secreted in Haiti's mountainous interior that they are unknown to outsiders, and they are indistinguishable from their African origins. Rapture covers this infinite world of Haitian-African rhythm, ranging from the determinedly rootsy to those who take vodou drumming as a base and cut loose, making free with elements of jazz, rock, reggae, and Latin music. Fans will recognize names like Boukman and Rara Machine, but they are by no means the only standouts. "Simbi Dlo," by Frisner Augustin and La Troupe, is just one of many luminous tracks by lesser-known artists in a collection that is clearly guided by spirit. An added reason to buy this CD: a portion of the profits goes to Haitian grassroots community projects. --Elena Oumano --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Product Description
Features recent innovations and traditional roots of this potent music. Cuts from live Vodou ceremonies are juxtaposed with performances by well-known Haitian artists, such as Boukman Experyans, RaRa Machine, Boukan Ginen and RAM. A cascade of sounds—Haitian Kreyol, the blowing of a conch shell, powerful drumming, electric guitar, synthesizers, sounds of clay pots, bells, and gourd rattles—build compelling rhythmic cross-currents. Enclosed notes examine the music’s political and spiritual base. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this recording go to benefit Haitian grassroots community projects. 20 tracks. "The music has an indomitable spirit." –New York Times --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.

Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou,Various Artists,Smithsonian Folkways,Haiti,Int'l & World Music,Pop,World Music

Average customer rating: Varied and Beautiful

Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou Various Artists Manufacturer: Smithsonian Folkways ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Haiti | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Caribbean & Cuba | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Caribbean & Cuba | International | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: The Rough Guide to the Music of Haiti Angels In The Mirror: Vodou Music Of Haiti Sacred Rhythms of Cuban Santeria Haiti Revolution ASIN: B000001DLP Release Date: 1995-08-22

Tracks:

1. Bade - Rara Machine
2. Azouke Legba - Vodou Le
3. Bosou Djo Eya - Port-Au-Prince Mayi
4. Pale-m Mal - Ram
5. Legba Plante 'I Poto/Papa Loko Di Yo Sa - Master Drummer Coyote
6. Vye Gran O - Port-Au-Prince Zepol
7. Simbi Dlo - Frisner Augustin And La Troupe Makandal
8. Guantanamo Rara Song - Cite Soleil Rara Inorab Kapab
9. Konbit Zaka - Boukman Eksperyans
10. Laserenal - Premye Nimewo Group
11. Kadja Kadja Nou Tande - Souvenans Grennedye
12. Tande - Boukan Ginen
13. Sen Franswa Di Priye Dye Fo - Cape Haitian
14. Chwal Sen Jak Mare Nan Potoborde - Micheline Forestal, Bois La
15. Ogou O Wa De Zanj - Mimerose Beaubrun
16. Pie Aleman Batala Lemiso - Nago Song From Lakou Badjo
17. Gangan Move Tet O - Racine Mapou De Azor
18. Brave Guede Banda - Wawa And His Group
19. Rara/Bizango - Artibonite/Archaie
20. Djab-La Fouye Twou-Li - Doudli's Sister

Amazon.com

When someone is struck with a truly great notion, like this record's concept, you feel grateful, and at the same time you wonder why no one thought of it before. This disc is clearly made from a near-sacred mission to redeem Haiti and its vodou culture. During slavery days, Jacob Boukman, who was shipped from Jamaica to Haiti, created vodou out of the elements common to the slaves' various tribal origins. Vodou's potpourri of spirit, rhythm, and melody is, indeed, every bit as rapturous as its ideal of human community. Lolo Beabrun, lead singer of Boukman Eksperyans (who turn in two tracks here) has said that so many vodou rhythms are played in tiny villages secreted in Haiti's mountainous interior that they are unknown to outsiders, and they are indistinguishable from their African origins. Rapture covers this infinite world of Haitian-African rhythm, ranging from the determinedly rootsy to those who take vodou drumming as a base and cut loose, making free with elements of jazz, rock, reggae, and Latin music. Fans will recognize names like Boukman and Rara Machine, but they are by no means the only standouts. "Simbi Dlo," by Frisner Augustin and La Troupe, is just one of many luminous tracks by lesser-known artists in a collection that is clearly guided by spirit. An added reason to buy this CD: a portion of the profits goes to Haitian grassroots community projects. --Elena Oumano

Album Description

Features recent innovations and traditional roots of this potent music. Cuts from live Vodou ceremonies are juxtaposed with performances by well-known Haitian artists, such as Boukman Experyans, RaRa Machine, Boukan Ginen and RAM. A cascade of sounds—Haitian Kreyol, the blowing of a conch shell, powerful drumming, electric guitar, synthesizers, sounds of clay pots, bells, and gourd rattles—build compelling rhythmic cross-currents. Enclosed notes examine the music's political and spiritual base. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this recording go to benefit Haitian grassroots community projects. 20 tracks. "The music has an indomitable spirit." -New York Times

Customer Reviews:

Varied and Beautiful.......2000-07-15

This set of songs, collected by an ethnomusicologist, is simply fantastic. You get exposure to a wide range of styles, from polished studio recordings to field recordings. The fact that the woman who collected these is an ethnomusicologist adds value, as the liner notes are very informative, and this set gives us a feeling for the range of musical contexts as well as styles in Haitian music. For lovers of Caribbean music in general, this disc is worth your time.

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