African Blues

1. Talibe - Ismaël Lo

2. Mounaïssa - Rokia Traoré

3. Va Safy Va Lomo - Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique, Orchestra Marrabenta Star De Mocambique

4. Mansa - Super Rail Band

5. Paulette - Balla et Ses Balladins

6. Maggie - Alick Nkhata

7. Omulanga Wamuka - Henry Makobi

8. Heygana - Ali Farka Toure

9. Ndinderere - Stella Chiweshe

10. Shams Esh'shamusa - Hamza el Din, Hamza el Din

11. N'Sangou - Antoine Moundanda, Antoine Moundanda

12. Mouso Teke Soma Ye - Boubacar Traoré

13. Kankan Blues [Extract] - Kante Manfila,

14. Miss Perfumado [Live] - Césaria Évora

15. Saa Magni - Oumou Sangare

African Blues,Various Artists,World Music Network,Africa,African Folk,Afro-Pop,Ethnic Fusion,Int'l & World Music,Mbalax,Neo-Traditional,Political Folk,Pop,Traditional Middle Eastern Folk,World Fusion,World Music,Worldbeat

Average customer rating: lifesavers song Hello to my baby African Treat excellent music One of those I take with me wherever I go

Shaka Zulu Ladysmith Black Mambazo Manufacturer: Warner Bros / Wea ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music South Africa | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Journey of Dreams The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo Long Walk to Freedom Raise Your Spirit Higher: Wenyukela The Best of Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Vol. 2 ASIN: B000002LBQ Release Date: 1990-10-25

Tracks:

1. Unomathemba
2. Hello My Baby
3. Golgotha
4. King Of Kings
5. Lomhlaba Kawunoni (The Earth Never Gets Fat)
6. How Long?
7. Ikhaya Lamaqhawe (Home Of The Heroes)
8. Yibo Labo (These Are The Guys)
9. Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain
10. Wawusho Kubani? (Who Were You Talking To?)

Amazon.com essential recording

The phrase "Time to meditate," as crooned by Ladysmith Black Mambazo in the song "Hello My Baby," might well be the most exquisitely sung line in all recorded music. Tastefully produced by Paul Simon following the success of Graceland, 1987's Shaka Zulu finds Ladysmith harmonizing as sweetly in English as they do in their native Zulu tongue (conveniently translated here). In addition to Christian and courting songs, Shaka's most interesting tunes provide glimpses into tribal culture. As Ladysmith observe in "Yibo Labo (These Are the Guys)": "There usually are problems with secret lovers / The elders never approve." --Richard Gehr

Customer Reviews:

lifesavers song.......2006-08-13

what is the name of the lifesavers song and where can you get it

Hello to my baby.......2006-05-31

Oh, such sweet, sweet memories!! My husband played this CD in our delivery room when our son was born seven years ago. "Time to meditate. I send a messenger to tell you that I want to meet you! Come along, come along to kiss me!"

EVERYONE loves this music! Children, women, men... Am I leaving anyone out? It's sweet, thoughtful, masculine, sometimes playful, sometimes deadly serious, but always hauntingly soulful and lovely music.

African Treat.......2004-06-12

Thought I would give Ladysmith a try based on the good reviews it received here and was not dissapointed. The tracks are very rythmic and uplifting. The recording is very good.

excellent music.......2003-08-25

you can't go wrong with this cd. it's excellent uplifting and thoroughly enjoyable music.

One of those I take with me wherever I go.......2003-06-15

I have put it in my cd case when I am working on the road, I've taken it into my massage therapy office to listen to while working on clients, I play it when cleaning around the house... this is one of my most favored, versitile cd's in my collection. I find it relaxing when I need to unwind, and uplifting when I am feeling sluggish. It certainly will not to appeal to all tastes. Not everyone enjoys acapella harmonies or listening to music that is not in ones own language, so I cannot make a blanket "thumbs up" for each taste. If you enjoyed the beginning of the song, "Diamonds on the Souls of Her Shoes" on Paul Simon's *Graceland* cd, you have a pretty good taste of what this cd offers (sans Paul Simon)... and even more so.

Average customer rating:

The Rough Guide to African Blues Various Artists Manufacturer: World Music Network ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Contemporary Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music Similar Items: Rough Guide to World Party Rough Guide to World Music: Africa & Middle East Rough Guide to Bellydance Cafe Rough Guide to the Blues Rough Guide to Bollywood Gold ASIN: B000OONP3G Release Date: 2007-05-08

Tracks:

1. MARIEM HASSAN - La Tumchi Anni
2. NURU KANE - Goree
3. COREY HARRIS - Special Rider Blues
4. BOUBACAR TRAORE - Mariama Kaba
5. OUMOU SANGARE - Mogo Ti Diya Bee Ya
6. ETRAN FINATAWA - Iriarer
7. AFEL BOKOUM - Jaman Moro
8. ROKIA TRAORE - Kele Mandi
9. AYALEW MESFIN & BLACK LION BAND - Feqer Aydelem Wey
10. DJELIMADY TOUNKARA - Sigui
11. BOB BROZMAN & DJELI MOUSSA DIAWARA - Maloyan Devil
12. RASHA - Azara Alhai
13. DABY BALDE - Waino Blues
14. BAABA MAAL & MANSOUR SECK - Bibbe Leydy

Album Description

Nowadays it is almost universally accepted that the DNA of the blues can be traced back to Africa. Featuring significant collaborations which explore this link - including Corey Harris and Ali Farka Toure - alongside pivotal artists such as Afel Bocoum, Oumou Sangare and Boubacar Traore, The Rough Guide to African Blues examines this complex and fascinating musical connection.

Artists include- Mariem Hassan, Nuru Kane, Corey Harris with Ali Farka Touré, Boubacar Traoré, Oumou Sangare, Etran Finatawa, Afel Bocoum, Rokia Traoré, Ayaléw Mèsfin & Black Lion Band, Djelimady Tounkara, Bob Brozman & Djeli Moussa Diawara, Rasha, Daby Balde, Baaba Maal & Mansour Seck

Average customer rating: Perfect Tribute for a good cause! Afrobeat for the masses Disappointing A treasure Haunting + Pulsating

Red Hot + Riot: The Music and Spirit of Fela Kuti Various Artists Manufacturer: Mca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music General | Dance & DJ | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music Africa | Compilations | International | Styles | Music General | Pop | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music Similar Items: Red Hot + Rio: Pure Listening Pleasure Red Hot + Rhapsody: The Gershwin Groove Onda Sonora: Red Hot + Lisbon Red Hot + Blue: A Tribute to Cole Porter Offbeat: A Red Hot Sound Trip ASIN: B00006LWSB Release Date: 2002-10-15

Tracks:

1. Fela Mentality (Intro) - Fela Kuti
2. Kalakuta Show - Gab & Lateef
3. Interlude: Live At Kalakuta - Fela Kuti
4. Shuffering & Shmiling - Dead Prez, Talib Kewli, Jorge Ben and Bilal
5. Interlude: Gimme Sh*t - Mixmaster Mike
6. Water No Get Enemy - Mixmaster Mike
7. Water No Get Enemy - D'Angelo, Femi Kuti, Macy Gray & The Soultronics (feat. Nile Rodgers & Roy Hargrove)
8. Gentleman - MeShell Ndegeocello & Yerba Buena (feat. Ron Blake)
9. Years Of Tears and Sorrow - Common & Djelimady Tounkara
10. Shakara/ Lady (Part One) - Cheikh Lo
11. Shakara/Lady (Part Two) - Cheikh Lo, Les Nubians and Manu Dibango
12. Don't Worry About My Mouth O (African Message) - Fela Kuti
13. Zombie (Part One) - Bugz In The Attic (feat. Wunmi)
14. Zombie (Part Two) - Nile Rodgers & Roy Hargrove
15. No Agreement - Res, Tony Allen, Ray Lema, Baaba Maa, Positive Black Soul & Archie Shepp
16. So Be It - Kelis
17. Interlude/This Is An Ashanti Proverb - Fela Kuti
18. By Your Side - Sade (Cottonbelly Remix)
19. Colonial Mentality - Yerba Buena
20. Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am - Baaba Maal & Taj Mahal (feat. Kaouding Cissoko)

Amazon.com

Never has there been a more appropriate Red Hot tribute than this one dedicated to the music of Afrobeat founder Fela Kuti, the Nigerian legend who died from AIDS-related complications in 1997. The artists and groups heard here, nearly 40 all told, cover the musical spectrum: hip-hop (Blackalicious, Roots), jazz (Roy Hargrove, Archie Shepp); soul (Sade, D'Angelo), Afrobeat (Tony Allen, Femi Kuti), world music (Baaba Maal, Jorge Ben), electronic music (Mixmaster Mike, Money Mark) and rock (Nile Rodgers). They have come together to raise money for the 25 million Africans now infected with the AIDS/HIV virus. Red Hot efforts often pair different artists together on the same song, and this album features many once-in-a-lifetime collaborations. Fela's music has been refashioned and mixed together here according to the styles of the artists, rendering several of the 20 songs barely recognizable in comparison with the originals. But such is the strength of Fela's music that even such singular-sounding artists as Macy Gray and Dead Prez get into the Afrobeat spirit of things. --Tad Hendrickson

Customer Reviews:

Perfect Tribute for a good cause!.......2005-09-06

Fela was the founder and king of Afrbeat, and an inspiration to acts as diverse as fellow Nigerian Lagbaja, and US prog rock duo The Mars Volta (Yes!!). Sadly he succumbed to AIDS related complications in 1997. Fitting then that this tribute CD raises money for AIDS relief in Africa. The CD liner notes talk extensively on this.

Chock full of a diverse array of musical talent; Nile Rogers, Macy Gray, D'Angelo, Sade, The Roots, Les Nubians, Meshell Ndegeocello, Femi Kuti, Baaba Maal and Cheikh Lo to name a few. Most of the songs are reinterpretations of songs by Fela in the artists own unique style, usually arranged differently from the originals. Fela's original vocals are interspersed during interludes. An excellent blend of African meets African American.

`Water no get enemy' featuring Femi, Macy Gray, Nile Rogers, Roy Hargrove and D'Angelo stays faithful to the original; shuffling beats, rich percussion, and lots of blaring horns. It's a real treat hearing Macy and D'Angelo singing in pidgin English.

The vocals of Sade's `By your side' are imposed on a shuffling dubby Afrobeat rhythm. Echo-ey vocals and rich percussion, dreamy sounding. Excellent!

`So be it' featuring Kelis on vocals is the other non Fela composition. It is a calming R&B song with some African sounding backing vocals and great horns played by Ugochi Nwaogwugwu.

`No Agreement' by Res, Tony Allen, Ray Lema, Baaba Maal, Positive Black Soul & Archie Shepp is another outstanding performance. Great jazzy breaks and wonderful horns.

`Zombie (part 1)' is a bouncy hip hop/Afrobeat affair featuring Bugz in the Attic & Wunmi, with lyrics about the robot mentality of soldiers blindly taking orders from above. Written during the days of military rule in Nigeria.

`Zombie (part 2)' with Nile Rogers and Roy Hargrove is an excellent instrumental piece, closer to the original. An energetic horn laden, percussion rich number, with faint electronic tweets.

Another outstanding piece is `Shuffering and shmiling' featuring Dead Prez, Talib Kweli, Bilal and Jorge Ben. Transformed with skittery beats and some skat singing and rapping, and horns that stay true to the original. Beautiful!

Each song is musically rich and captivating in it's own way, be it `Gentleman', `Shakara/lady (parts 1 and 2)' with excellent guitar work, talking drums and razor sharp horns, to `Trouble sleep, yanga wake am'. The attention to detail is astounding, everything in its right place.

A beautiful CD showing the wealth and beauty of African music. Not meant to replace the originals at all, and a perfect tribute to the king.

Afrobeat for the masses.......2004-06-29

Shuffering and shmiling alone is enough to make this cd a solid purchase. Underground hip hop luminaries Talib Kweli and Dead Prez combine to remake the song while keeping the same general beat and theme. It's an unbelievably compelling song that does no injustice to the original, rare in a tribute album.

The fun doesnt stop with Shuffering though. Sade's track is a standout and Femi Kuti does his daddy proud. Buy this CD, your ears will thank you.

Disappointing.......2004-05-03

Red Hot and Riot was a HUGE disappointment. With the exception of a very few covers that stay true to the original (the best being "Water no get Enemy" by his son, Femi), the album consists largely of rap songs that have only one thing in common with the original Fela Kuti tunes: the title. Gone are the absolutely exquisite melodies and rhythms that came out of the pure genius of Fela. Some of the rappers doing the covers are so egotistical that not only do they abandon Fela's heavenly musical stylings; they don't even bother to adhere to the original lyrics. Given all this, I just want to issue a warning to those listeners who think that by buying this album, they may be getting a good introduction to Fela's music: save your money and buy one of HIS albums. Even Fela's worst album would be a thousand times more worthwhile to listen to than this eminently forgetable drivel.

A treasure.......2004-02-22

There's not a bad cut on this CD. I never had the pleasure of seeing Fela Kuti, altho I've caught his son in performance a few times. This CD admirably honors Fela's fight, his soul, his fire! My favorite cut is Gentleman with Meshell and Yerba Buena! Baby, it just don't get any better than this...hot, luscious Afro-Soul with a dead-on message. I'm not a Sade fan, but even I have to bask in the black velvet glow of her slide thru this remake of By Your Side. Anyone who digs Macy Gray (count me in) will be all smiles listening to her signature riffs on Water No Get Enemy. I hope the inclusion of Baaba Maal and Cheikh Lo will turn on those listeners who might not otherwise tune in to these killer African artists. This CD is always in my rotation (along with Resident Alien, Seal IV, 6 Degrees' Latin Travels, and Tourist) Slide it in and dance your heart to bursting. It's all for a good cause (AIDS awareness), so double bonus!

Haunting + Pulsating.......2003-08-18

This CD was released in October of last year, but I still can't get it out of my head (not that I want it to be) Great, solid, breathing album. Love Baaba Maal's Trouble Sleep Yanga Wake Am. The rhythms pulsate and the vocals grab me deep within. Love the guest stars -- Sade, Res, Meshell Ndegeocello, Nile Rodgers, Macy Gray, Kelis, Talib Kweli, Les Nubians, etc. I am in love with the lush compositions and prepossessing rhythms. They all add a certain touch to the vibe of the LP. Plus, all proceeds from the album go towards fighting AIDS in Africa. An even greater reason to love it. I recommend picking up this album if ever you're in the record store. You won't be disappointed.

Average customer rating: Just Brilliant! Listen While I Tell You a Story! Great for kids The Most Beautiful Music Songs of power, protest and defiant hope

Steal Away - Songs of the Underground Railroad Kim & Reggie Harris Manufacturer: Appleseed Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music General | Folk | Indie Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Follow the Drinking Gourd The Underground Railroad for Kids: From Slavery to Freedom with 21 Activities (For Kids series) Voices Of The Civil Rights Movement: Black American Freedom Songs 1960-1966 Sing For Freedom: The Story Of The Civil Rights Movement Through Its Songs Wade In The Water, Vol.1:African American Spirituals:The Concert Tradition ASIN: B000005BPI Release Date: 1998-01-20

Tracks:

1. Oh Freedom
2. No More Auction Block
3. Let Us Break Bread Together
4. Wade In The Water
5. Go Down Moses
6. Harriet Tubman/Steal Away
7. Now Let Me Fly
8. Sinner Please Don't Let This Harvest Pass
9. Trampin'
10. Follow The Drinking Gourd
11. Deep River/Swing Low
12. Great Day
13. Heaven Is Less Than Fair
14. Free At Last
15. Ain't I A Woman
16. Steal Away (Reprise)

Album Description

Before the Civil War, when a slave's every action was monitored by his "owners," songs became a powerful and vital form of private communication and expression on Southern plantations. Emotions and information that a slave could never plainly voice could be sung in coded spirituals and folk songs. When daring slaves sought a path to freedom in the North on the so-called Underground Railroad, actually a series of travel routes and safehouses, these songs became tools to transmit information and advice about escape plans, to assert defiance, inspire runaways, and express fear and elation at the harrowing journey ahead.

On "Steal Away: Songs of the Underground Railroad," veteran folk duo Kim and Reggie Harris capture the power, spirit and messages of these encrypted songs in a rich and moving collection of largely traditional material. This album, the core of an ongoing series of workshops and presentations for students, teachers and families by the Harrises, has become an important educational tool and is stocked in many libraries and museums around the country.

The CD's booklet includes informative, detailed liner notes and the lyrics to its 16 selections, shedding light on their hidden or inherent meanings: "Wade in the Water" reminded runaways to follow rivers and streams for direction, cover, and food; "Follow the Drinking Gourd" taught slaves to use the Big Dipper to find the North Star as a celestial signpost to freedom; "Let Us Break Bread Together" signaled secret planning meetings. Other traditional songs here such as "Oh Freedom," "Now Let Me Fly," "Free at Last," and "No More Auction Block for Me" require no decoding. These standards are joined by three contemporary songs - "Harriet Tubman," a tribute to the escaped slave who became one of the most famous Underground Railroad "conductors"; "Ain't I a Woman," a musical arrangement of a famous speech by Sojourner Truth, a 19th century crusader dedicated to slavery's abolition and women's rights; and the Harrises' own "Heaven is Less than Fair," based on narrative accounts of escaped slaves about their flight to freedom and the loved ones they left behind.

The Harrises present these songs with simple grace, using yearning harmonies and acoustic guitar accompaniment to convey the melancholy of slavery, the glimmerings of hope for a better life, and the joy of achieving a hard-won freedom.

Customer Reviews:

Just Brilliant!.......2007-03-23

I have had the pleasure to know Kim & Reggie Harris in the 1990s. They are gifted musicians and story tellers and they are gifted at making you feel like a passenger on the underground railroad, the Train that remains Bound for Glory!

I just love the collection of songs; you learn about the code terms for freedom as you come along for the ride. Just hop on board! This Train is Bound for Glory and it's making stops for freedom all along the way. Next stop - No More Auction Block for Me - an excellent statement against an atrocious period in history when people were sold at auction blocks on the open market. Now it's time to Follow the Drinking Gourd on the next stop. Kim has a beautiful voice and when you hear her sing "Free at Last," don't be surprised if you are very moved.

Abolitionists - those opposed to slavery; Quakers opposed slavery and helped many people escape to the Promised Land outside the slave states.

Conductor - people who helped lead the Underground Railroad and keep that train moving!

Drinking Gourd - North Star, used by many to travel northward out of the slave states.

Heaven - Code word for Canada, the desired northern stop. Canada recognized all free citizens, regardless of race. The Train that was Bound for Glory made many successful runs to Canada.

Safe Houses, stops - homes that were used to shelter runaway slaves. These safe houses were stops the train made en route to freedom.

Slave Catchers - self explanatory.

These gifted story tellers are not only wonderful musicians, but they are also historians who bring to life a vital part of history that should never be forgotten.

Listen While I Tell You a Story!.......2007-01-15

As background music while I tell the story of the hidden symbols and meanings in my Underground Railroad Quilt, this is the best collection I have found. I was pleased with the sound quality and clarity of the words. My only complaint was the unevenness of the volume. Perhaps I can adjust the timing of my story so the lower volume sections of the music correspond with the more somber parts of the talk!

Great for kids.......2003-09-04

My pre-schooler liked this tape after she read about Harriet Tubman

The Most Beautiful Music.......2000-03-30

This is quite simply the most beautiful music I've ever heard in my life - not just one song, but the entire CD.

Kim and Reggie Harris's voices are extraordinary, their harmonies are perfect, and their guitar work supports each song ideally. In addition, the selections are so moving that more than one of them brought me to tears.

I don't think the samples nearly do it justice.

Songs of power, protest and defiant hope.......1998-05-26

Kim & Reggie have done it again with their latest release. This extraordinary collection features a diverse collection of the "code" songs of the Underground Railroad, the brave group of African-Americans who escaped the oppression of slavery in the U.S. South and then joined Harriet Tubman, the group's "foundress," in her quest to bring others to freedom. The songs in this collection truly touch every human emotion as they convey a history that is too often forgotten in our society which is more racially divided than ever. I am struck by the confident hope expressed by songs such as "Harriet Tubman/Steal Away," "Great Day," and "Wade in the Water." The story & accompanying song "Heaven Is Less Than Fair" brings home the brutality of slavery that separated families and loved ones from each other. All the songs carry a messaage for today, especially songs like "Ain't I A Woman?" as we discover that these words of Sojourner Truth could still in some ways be spoken today. This CD is a great listen, a great gift, and a great teaching tool. Highly recommended to all.

Average customer rating: Otis tells the Truth Good guitar, great voice, so so material Indescribable, Haunting, and Perfect! Dark, moody, introspective and piercing like a howl at night not the same old blues crap

White African Otis Taylor Manufacturer: Northern Blues ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Contemporary Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Electric Blues Guitar | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Modern Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music Similar Items: Double V Respect the Dead When Negroes Walked the Earth Below the Fold Truth Is Not Fiction ASIN: B000059SY9 Release Date: 2001-03-06

Tracks:

1. My Soul's In Louisiana
2. Resurrection Blues
3. Momma Don't You Do It
4. 3 Days And 3 Nights
5. Round And Round
6. Stick On You
7. Rain So Hard
8. Lost My Horse
9. Saint Martha Blues
10. Ain't No Cowgirl
11. Hungry People

Album Description

The heart of blues folklore lies in the music of Otis Taylor, long-established as the voice of American blues history. His intensity is matched only by his superb songwriting and mastery of guitar and banjo. Taylor's topical songs are rooted in the African-American past but are universal stories; they speak of poverty, pride, love and the struggle for justice.

Customer Reviews:

Otis tells the Truth.......2003-12-04

This is about testimony, people, and you will not turn your back and say, "That's not my problem." It's about legacies...of violence, pain, hate, suffering...in the name of heritage; in the name of raw apathy...in the name of ignorance. In Otis Taylor's big hands, plucking and strumming on an electric banjo, mandolin, or acoustic guitar, it's a way to cry out for justice-and mercy and forgiveness. They don't make prophets like this anymore-they did once upon a time, but that was back in biblical days. If there was a reason to listen to this man's songs, it's because he wears the dust of history on his physical body and within his heart, and along with that, the crimes of passion that have been done in the name of righteous intention.

These songs are about commitment: a way to remind us that we have choices to make in our lives, both individually and as a social unit. The actions that we make can come back with a sword or an olive branch-and thankfully, Otis has a gentle way with his power, especially from a man who can stare into your soul from the cover photo of White African. His companions are right beside him like avenging angels: Kenny Passarelli's thudding, plodding bass, holding the chains and shackles of generations, daughter Cassie Taylor's ghostly backup vocals that moan through the leaves on the trees on a hot moonless night, and Eddie Turner's tortured slide and lead guitar. Yes, the obvious comparison is to John Lee Hooker-but Otis's strength is that he's doing it his way. You'll feel it too, once Otis lays his music on you.

Good guitar, great voice, so so material.......2003-07-27

I bought this cd for the song, My Soul's in Louisiana. None of the others quite measured up. On the bright side, though, this one song was worth the price of the whole cd.

Indescribable, Haunting, and Perfect!.......2003-05-24

I had the great fortune of recently meeting Kenny Passarelli, Otis Taylor's producer and bass player. After a fascinating stroll down rock & roll memory lane recounting Kenny's storied career as a musician (Mannassas, Joe Walsh, Elton John, et al), Kenny mentioned his new ventures in producing. "White African" was a parting gift from Kenny - I was and still am blown away by the talent, technical elements, and social commentary featured in this opus. Otis Taylor's storytelling coupled with his instrumentals and vocals left me wanting more. "White African" is a must for any devoted blues fan and any emerging fans who seek something "different". Thank you, Kenny.

Dark, moody, introspective and piercing like a howl at night.......2003-03-09

One of the most original CD's I have heard in a long time! Takes acoustic Blues, Folk and even some banjo music to darker realms while creating landscapes of storytelling with his voice, which some times howls, whispers and just pierce's your Soul. "My Soul's in Louisiana", "Resurrection Blues" and "3 Days and 3 Nights" are favorites. Every track is well crafted and flows well together. Thumbs up to Northern Blues Records in Canada for capturing such a sound. Simon Aguilar KYNR Crazy Coyote Blues

not the same old blues crap.......2002-11-17

I stole the intro from Fat Possum, but if any blues recording in the new century deserves to be noticed, its Otis Taylor. This CD just blows me away with its honesty, sincerity and punch in the gut realism. Listening to this recording is like being back in the 30's when the blues giants were walking the earth and forever changing the music. However Otis Taylor brings the sound and sound quality to the 21st century. In additon, his musicianship is up there with the best. The modern blues players who cry and complain about poor sales should take their cue from Otis Taylor and Magic Slim. I love this CD and all his music. ...

Average customer rating: GIMME A BREAK Eclectic Group Good CD, But Not As Good As The Others A Worthy Addition to the Group's Discography Energizing, invigorating, rythmic and divine !

Time for Healing Sounds of Blackness Manufacturer: Perspective Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music Christian Contemporary Music | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | R&B | Styles | Music General | Soul | R&B | Styles | Music $9.99 and Under | Blowout Music | Stores | Music R&B | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music International | Styles | Blowout Music | Stores | Music All Blowout Music | Blowout Music | Stores | Music $9.99 and Under | Prices | Blowout Music | Stores | Music More Titles at Least 25% Off | Blowout Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Africa to America: The Journey of the Drum The Evolution of Gospel Soul Symphony Unity Very Best of Sounds of Blackness ASIN: B000002GP7 Release Date: 1997-05-06

Tracks:

1. Africana
2. Spirit
3. We Are Gonna Make It Through (Part 1)
4. Hold On (Change Is Comin')
5. Love Will Never Change
6. Love Train
7. God Cares
8. Hold On (Don't Let Go)
9. Crisis
10. We Are Gonna To Make It Through (Part 2)
11. You Can Make It If You Try
12. The Blackness Blues
13. A Spiritual Medley
14. So Far Away
15. Familiar Waters
16. Time For Healing
17. We Are Gonna Make It Through (Part 3)
18. Hold On (Change Is Comin') (Roger Troutman Remix)
19. Kwanzaa - Umoja - Uhuru

Customer Reviews:

GIMME A BREAK.......2007-06-13

Honestly dont want to knock any folks who generate good vibes and healing thoughtwaves.

Eclectic Group.......2003-02-06

The Sounds of Blackness has always been an eclectic group. They originally started out as a choir from Macalester College. The group evolved into a community choir and into the group we all know and love. In the past, the "Sounds" performed many secular songs from the black experience (i.e., "Sir Duke", "God Bless The Child" as well as sacred songs such as "Jesus Christ is the Way" and "Steal Away"). So often, vocalists are pigeonholed into singing only certain styles of music. I, personally, sing the entire spectrum. However, the message must be good and the music melodious! In fact, I am a former member of the "Sounds," so I know of what I speak!

Good CD, But Not As Good As The Others.......2002-06-08

Sounds of Blackness is well known for R&B/gospel hits such as "Optimistic" and "The Pressure" as well as many Negro spirituals. The group's first 2 CDs were the ones that brought them the most fame. In their third CD, "Time for Healing", they somewhat stray away from what they usually sing. It is possible to mistake them for a straight-out R&B group. There are great hits like "Hold On (Change is Coming)" which is my personal favorite. They also do remakes like "Love Train". I really wish that Ann Nesby was on this CD, but she decided to go solo. Oh well. That's how the music business is, I guess! Even though the group loses many great things that they had from the other CDs, it is still a great one, and I recommend it to any Sounds of Blackness fan.

A Worthy Addition to the Group's Discography.......2001-08-30

Like the ensemble's three previous albums, "A Time for Healing" features uplifting grooves, a marvelous blend of old and new, brilliant instrumentation, and harmonies that truly are heavenly. Director Gary Hines and company expertly excel on cuts like "Hold On (Change Is Comin'"), a song that owes much to the music of the late Roger Troutman, "Love Will Never Change," a mellow and compassionate tune, "God Cares," a song that should be an anthem for the faithful, and the title cut. The more traditional offering, "We Are Gonna Make It Through," soars with majesty and power while the group "gets down" with remakes of the classics "Love Train" and "You Can Make It If You Try."
The best cut, however, is "So Far Away" which begins with an awesome trumpet solo and then jumps into a Calypso-flavored rhythm featuring a sample of the 60's hit "Girl from Ipanema." One can't stay seated when hearing this one.
Notably missing is Ann Nesby, soloist for many of the group's first successes, as well as the producing team of Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. Hopefully, the trio will return for some future musical endeavors.

Energizing, invigorating, rythmic and divine !.......2000-05-23

The text and rythems on this wonderful CD have inspired me time and time again to get up, move on and rise above and beyond my own limits. I really think this is what the artists wanted and that is exactly what they have acheived - at least with me! The text is deep, wise and loving, while the music is soothing on some numbers or invigorating like a sparkling, fresh shower on others.

I thank the artists behind this musical creation for working together to make a great CD.

Average customer rating: A rare and complete original ! absolutely gorgeous

Ethiopiques, Vol. 21: Ethiopia Song Tsegué-Maryam Guèbrou Manufacturer: Buda Musique ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Piano | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music General | International | Styles | Music General | Jazz | Styles | Music Traditional Jazz General | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music International | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Ethiopiques, Vol. 4: Ethio Jazz & Musique Instrumentale, 1969-1974 Ethiopiques, Vol. 14: Negus of Ethiopian Sax Ethiopiques 20: Live in Addis Ethiopiques, Vol. 1: Golden Years Of Modern Ethiopian Music Ethiopiques, Vol. 8: Swinging Addis ASIN: B000BU9FOQ Release Date: 2006-02-14

Tracks:

1. The Homeless Wanderer
2. The Last Ears Of A Deceased
3. A Young Girl's Complaint
4. The Mad Man's Laughter
5. Presentiment
6. Mother's Love
7. Ballad Of The Spirits
8. The Song Of The Sea
9. Homesickness
10. Golgotha
11. The Jordan River Song
12. The Garden Of Gethesemanie
13. The Song Of Abayi
14. The Story Of The Breeze
15. Evening Breeze
16. Tenkou! Why Feel Sorry?

Amazon.com

If the listener did not have the CD cover handy, it would be difficult to guess who this artist is or where she hails from. Emahoy TseguÈ-Maryam GuÈbrou was born into a prominent literary Ethiopian family in 1923 and partly educated in Europe. The lovely young girl studied piano and violin but political vicissitudes in her homeland led to an unsettled and peripatetic youth. Dispirited by events in her life, she found consolation in religion and became a nun. Although dedicated to teaching at an orphanage, she nonetheless found time to create a series of slightly jazz-influenced, neo-classical pieces, many of which are showcased here. The material is culled from two LPs that were released in 1963, when she was 40 years of age. Meditations on bible themes and the beauties of nature were her favorite subjects and her compositions were often built around recognizably Ethiopian melodic structures. But they also reveal refracted shards of what would certainly be cited as influences if only it could be established she had ever heard the works of Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Abdullah Ibrahim and especially, Eric Satie. But ultimately, Sister GuÈbrou seems to be a lone reed -- but a very beautiful one. --Christina Roden

Album Description

"The Buda label's Ethiopiques reissues prove that this 3,000-year-old civilization has much more to offer than bad news. Totaling nearly 20 volumes to date, the series presents the golden age of modern Ethiopia, prior to 1975's coup and the repressive regime that fueled subswquent violence and unrest." -AUSTIN CHRONICLE

In the rich, varied and bizarre history of African music, the tragedy of the Ethiopian pop recording industry stands alone. But for the past few years, Buda Records has brought us the Ethiopiques series, showcasing the immense scope of the golden age of Ethiopian music - lovingly assembled, remastered and fully annotated. An outstanding pianist and a remarkable composer. Emahoy Tsegue-Maryam Guebrou (now a Christian nun in a Jerussalem monastery) once recorded her own piano solo works, steeped in Ethiopian culture. The rich, personal poetry of these songs brings to mind Claude Debussy or Carlos d'Alessio's "India Song" - a rare curiosity indeed, with beautiful melodies and a charming interpretation.

Amazon.com If the listener did not have the CD cover handy, it would be difficult to guess who this artist is or where she hails from. Emahoy TseguÃ^-Maryam GuÃ^brou was born into a prominent literary Ethiopian family in 1923 and partly educated in Europe. The lovely young girl studied piano and violin but political vicissitudes in her homeland led to an unsettled and peripatetic youth. Dispirited by events in her life, she found consolation in religion and became a nun. Although dedicated to teaching at an orphanage, she nonetheless found time to create a series of slightly jazz-influenced, neo-classical pieces, many of which are showcased here. The material is culled from two LPs that were released in 1963, when she was 40 years of age. Meditations on bible themes and the beauties of nature were her favorite subjects and her compositions were often built around recognizably Ethiopian melodic structures. But they also reveal refracted shards of what would certainly be cited as influences if only it could be established she had ever heard the works of Count Basie, Oscar Peterson, Keith Jarrett, Abdullah Ibrahim and especially, Eric Satie. But ultimately, Sister GuÃ^brou seems to be a lone reed -- but a very beautiful one. --Christina Roden

Customer Reviews:

A rare and complete original !.......2006-06-11

Emahoy Tzegue-Mariam Gebru's life is, as detailed in the informative booklet attached to the CD, is very unique, filled with tragedy, courage and devotion. All of this is reflected in the music heard in this surprising CD. She was sent as a child to Switzerland, where she studied violin and piano. She continued playing the piano when she returned to Ethiopia, and then continued her studies under a Polish teacher in Egypt. When she was prevented from studying music in Britain, she chose the life of a nun. Her musical tastes are first and foremost Beethoven, Strauss and Chopin, while she has heard and liked the early Ethiopian Pop of Tilahun Gessese, Hirut Bekele, Mahmud Ahmad and Bizunesh Bekele. She is influenced by the religious music of the Ethiopian church as well.
The result is an original sound. On the first track of the CD, she stays with two Ethiopian scales (Tizita and Bati), but with her approach they are given a new meaning, reminiscent of some early blues and Jazz piano.
The next 3 tracks have very little that is Ethiopian, and much that is European - paying tribute to her favorite composers, with her unique style.
From the fifth track to the end of the CD, it is a beautiful combination of all her musical influences. Her approach to composing is European - each note is planned, calculated, and written down. The Ethiopian touch is in the intervals ending the phrases, and in the rhythmic subtleties that lean to a 3/3 meter.
Throughout, her life's rich experience fills the music with sadness, tragedy and beauty. This is necessary music for all lovers of music - the experience of this music simply cannot be found anywhere else !

absolutely gorgeous.......2006-05-01

this new volume reveals an astonishing beauty that the world has been deprived of until now... just like the editorial review says, it is like an ethiopian Satie...

Average customer rating: Classic shh - great sounds are heard in the quietist of moments American history, not just black history Bigger than just a "black thing" A Must For Every Black Family

The Long Road to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music Various Artists Manufacturer: Buddha ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music East Coast Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Folk | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Africa | International | Styles | Music Calypso | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music General | Caribbean & Cuba | International | Styles | Music Swing General | Swing Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music Gospel | Christian & Gospel | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Vocalists | Compilations | Pop | Styles | Music General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music Traditional Pop | Oldies | Pop | Styles | Music General | Comedy | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music Traditional Vocal Pop | Broadway & Vocalists | Styles | Music General | Blues | Box Sets | Stores | Music Similar Items: Say It Loud! A Celebration of Black Music in America The Music of Black Americans: A History Afro-American Spirituals, Work Songs, And Ballads The Best of Harry Belafonte's Long Road to Freedom: An Anthology of Black Music Negro Work Songs & Calls ASIN: B00005NCRC Release Date: 2001-09-11

Tracks:

1. Ose Yie (Ashanti War Chant) - Asafoiatse Nettey
2. Sakadougou (Maninka Ballad) - Kandia
3. Ake (Yoruba Work Chant)
4. Kufidi M'Pala Bituta (Baluba) - Toko Mzobe
5. Ayilongo (Ghenya Boatmen) - Emanuel N'Suba
6. Oba Oba (Homage to a King)
7. Oaikoi (Harvest Ceremony)
8. Agiee Tatatale (Ga Play Song) - Betty Clotty and the African Children's Chorus
9. Aja Aja O (Yoruba Fable) - Betty Clotty and the African Children's Chorus
10. Falle-well Shisha Maley (Transitional Hymn)
11. Amazing Grace - Bessie Jones, Sorrell Booke
12. How Do You Do Ev'rybody? (Greeting Shout) - Ella Jenkins, Nannie McNeil
13. O, Lord, I'm Waitin' On You (Spiritual) - Valentine Pringle
14. Prayer (Spiritual) - Bessie Jones
15. Kneebone Bend (Prayer Shout) - Bessie Jones
16. Hark 'E Angel (Watcher's Shout) - Harry Belafonte
17. Yonder Comes Day (New Year Shout) - Bessie Jones
18. Goodbye Ev'rybody (Farewell Shout) - Valentine Pringle

Tracks:

1. Tombeau, Tombeau
2. Je M'en Vais Finir Mes Jours ("Madelaine" song)
3. Dans Un Brigatoire
4. Pour la Belle Layotte - William "Billy" Eaton
5. Fomme la Dit, Mo Malheure
6. Miche Banjo (Bamboula) - Robert Henson
7. Good Mornin', Good Mornin' ("John Canoe" processional) - J. Hamilton Grandison
8. All Roun' de Glory Manger - Ezerlene Jenkins, Joe Crofford
9. Mary, What You Call Yo' Baby? - Carrie Suter
10. Wonderful Councillor - Harry Belafonte
11. Follow The Drinking Gourd - Leon Bibb
12. Steal Away To Jesus
13. Meetin' Here Tonight - Joe Crofford
14. Many Thousan' Gone
15. The Colored Volunteer - Harry Belafonte
16. We Look Like Men of War - Earl Baker, Milt Grayson
17. Song Of The First Arkansas Volunteers (Glory Hallelujah) - Harry Belafonte
18. Free At Las' - Joe Crofford

Tracks:

1. Ol' Lady From Brewster (Children's Song)
2. Hallie, Come On! (Woman's Field Holler) - Miriam Burton
3. Run Squirrel, Whoa Mule (Game Song) - Thelma Drayton
4. Fox Chase (Mouth Organ) - Sonny Terry, Brownie McGee
5. Chickens Done Crowed (Sunrise Holler) - Valentine Pringle
6. 'Way Go Lily (Children's Song)
7. Shine On (Graveyard Holler) - Ned Wright
8. Grey Goose (Ballad) - Bessie Jones
9. Pick A Bale O' Cotton (Hoe Down) - Sonny Terry, Brownie McGee
10. Li'l Gal, Li'l Gal (Game Song) - Bessie Jones
11. Go To Sleepy (Lullaby) - Harry Belafonte
12. I Got 'Em (Street Cry) - Valentine Pringle
13. Hambone, Hambone (Children's Pattin') - Tyrone Cooper
14. Watermelon Man (Blues) - Ned Wright
15. Fare Thee Well, Oh Honey (Blues) - Gloria Lynne
16. Blackberry Woman (Street Cry) - Lillian Hayman
17. Easy Rider Blues (Blues) - Joe Williams
18. Oh, Johnny Brown (Ring Game) - Sharon G. Williams
19. I Got 'Em (Street Cry) - Valentine Pringle
20. Black Woman (Blues) - Brownie McGee
21. Watermelon Man (Street Cry) - Ned Wright

Tracks:

1. Let The Deal Go Down - Godfrey Cambridge, Joe Crofford, Brownie McGee
2. Betty and Dupree - Joe Williams
3. Eas' Man - Leon Bibb
4. John Henry - Valentine Pringle
5. Boll Weevil - Harry Belafonte, Al Shackman
6. Stagolee - Cortez Franklin, Lennie Pogan
7. Joe Turner Blues - Gloria Lynne, Herman Foster
8. Honey Take A Whiff On Me - Ben Carter, Lennie Pogan
9. Go 'Long Muley
10. My Baby In A Guinea Blue Gown
11. Dat Liar - Milton Grayson
12. Finale

Tracks:

1. Ho Boys Cancha Line 'Em? - Valentine Pringle
2. Good Ir'n - Harry Belafonte
3. Go On Ol' Gator
4. Doncha Hear Yo' Po' Mother Callin'?
5. River Sounding Chant - Charles Colman, William Eaton
6. Nobody's Business Lord But Mine - Harry Belafonte
7. My God Is A Rock - Harry Belafonte
8. We Are Climbin' Jacob's Ladder
9. I Am So Glad - Harry Belafonte
10. I'll Never Turn Back, No Mo' (and excerpt from Dr. King speech) - Irving Barnes, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
11. Lord, I Don't Feel Noways Tired - Howard Roberts

Amazon.com

Decades after its conception, Harry Belafonte's enormously ambitious project has come to a rewarding fruition with the release of this lovingly produced and beautifully packaged collection. Between 1961 and 1971, Belafonte sought to create a comprehensive document of what he calls "African-matrixed music": "African rooted, Africa as origin, evolved from an original African form." The rough timeframe Belafonte follows begins with the arrival of blacks in America in the early 17th century and ends at the dawn of the recording age. Yet this five-disc set (with a bonus "making of" DVD) amounts to so much more than a musical history; it is, instead, a detailed sociopolitical history of the people who created this music and a journey following the evolution of black culture from the time that the diaspora left Africa for the New World.

Disc 1 offers tribal chants, shouts, and spirituals while the second disc explores the slavery era through the Civil War. Disc 3 looks at postwar sounds both urban and rural while the fourth disc crosses into the next century as the street cries and mountain hollers morph into folk ballads, gritty blues, and minstrel shows--the roots of popular music as we know it today. The final disc includes songs of work and songs of worship, the practical tools of survival for African Americans in troubled times. The sounds found across these discs are faithful re-creations featuring a large cast that includes the likes of Belafonte, Bessie Jones, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee, and Joe Williams. The lovely 140-page hardbound book includes extensive notes and provocative essays, as well as stunning photos plus artwork by Charles White. To be sure, this is not easy listening and those looking for your basic "roots music" collection will be disappointed. Rather, this is really a fascinating exploration of the roots of roots music. --Marc Greilsamer

Customer Reviews:

Classic.......2007-06-01

Valentine Pringle's "John Henry" and Cortez Franlkin's "Stagolee" is easily worth the price of admission.

shh - great sounds are heard in the quietist of moments.......2007-02-28

I am an average white guy in his forties who purchased The Long Road... when it first came out in'01. Please read the other reviews for facts, details and editorials... I am here to warn you. If you are prone to being emotionally effected by beautiful, soul piercing harmonies performed by a tribe of professional and basic folk then avoid this musical journey. If you hate tears of awe rolling down your cheeks every time you experience a number of songs especially from disc 2 and 5...while I'm listening, my eyes well up just in anticipation of hearing "We look like Men of war" or "All Round' de Glory Manger"... then steer away. Many of these tunes play in my head especially during particularly tough days at work. Play it LOUD or avoid at all costs.

American history, not just black history.......2005-12-28

My boyfriend gave me this collection last year. He's a musicanwith a deep love of all roots music. I'm black; he's white. We listened to this together and we both found it to be a revelation.
If you are looking for field recordings, this is not the collection for you. The sound is not quaint and tinny (although I love those recordings too). Instead, this is a collection that shows how 'black' music (that is, music from the African Diaspora to America) changed and grew over time, and produced sounds that we still hear today. The selection ranges from Louisiana Creole (the ancestor to today's Zydeco) to Civil War tunes (contrary to the information you'll find on the web and other places, not all black Civil War music was in dialect, and the marching songs are rousing in their patriotism and pride), to good-time music (the ancestor to hip-hop, R&B, and modern pop). The most disturbing piece is the slave sermon, which should probably be played in every classroom in America during discussions of the Revolutionary War, which is followed by a worship service similar to the types held by slaves in private, and acts as a good counterbalance to the prior piece.

My boyfriend and I found ourselves bonding over the Civil War music, as he is an avid bagpiper and very much into Celtic culture. We talked about the roles of Irish and black soldiers in the Civil War and what they had in common in terms of not being viewed as human by most of society. We also enjoyed hearing people like Brownie Magee, not on a fuzzy old recording, but in a living, vibrant fashion.

People who think that 'black music' is only for black people must also think only Italians should listen to opera and that Jimi Hendrix wasn't really a rock musician. This is _American_ music, and as such, should be in the collections of anyone interested in American history, 20th century music, or African-American culture. American music has had a variety of influences, and these recordings could help younger people and even a lot of adults become interested in music history, just as did 'Down From the Mountain'. In many ways, this music is more 'roots' music than anything in ' O Brother, Where Art Thou?', because it truly tries to go back to the source. As an anthropologist I might quibble over the inclusion of the African section without qualifying it as possibly being ahistorical (we don't actually know if those exact songs were sung in the time before slavery, but it's likely that are similar ones contemporary to the time), but other than that, I'm very happy. For once we have a music collection that does not focus solely on slavery and misery. There's a lot of joy and hope here, and a strong sense of reliance, which is perhaps the best trait that Americans have as a whole.

Bigger than just a "black thing".......2004-02-26

There are lots of reviews or word of mouth on this CD box set that, quite frankly, focuses on all the wrong things. To pigeonhole this box set a "must for black families" vastly understates the raw power and broad appeal of this collection. This box set is bigger than that; it's much more than just a quaint time capsule for blacks to listen to. It's fun, entertaining, and can go toe-to-toe with any of the best new music releases out there right now.

This music is basically the foundation of ALL popular music celebrated in the Western world today. Rock, Top 40 Pop, Salsa, Gospel, Blues, R&B, Hip-hop, Country, Bluegrass, they ALL owe an immeasurable debt to the music and culture brought over to the Western hemisphere by African slaves.

The collection starts with African chants and tribal music, and some of the instrumental and vocal arrangements could easily be from modern pop music. As it moves from the African black music experience over to the early Black American music experience, it's easy to hear how African music evolved in America to become the modern American pop, rock, hip-hop and R&B music we know today. People always mention how African music is the roots of pop, rock, soul and Afro-latin music, but this collection really drives the point home when you listen to old tribal music and hear beats and vocals that sound uncannily like those heard in today's modern music genres. There is no modern popular genre that doesn't owe a great debt to African-based musical sensibilities, and although we hear it said all the time, this box set actually illustrates the point better than a million articles and academic speeches ever could.

This collection is more than a history lesson or a source of pride for blacks. That almost makes it sound cold and academic. This collection has WARMTH and personality; it's great entertainment and just plain incredible music. Listen to it regardless of your race, political orientation, or ideology. Buy it and enjoy it because you love good music and want to hear the roots of it straight from the source, not just as a source of racial pride or as an acedmic study in music history.

A Must For Every Black Family.......2002-06-13

The Long Road to Freedom depicts a history of America's Africans in a masterful collection of music.

Average customer rating: Some not so pretty, but mostly Great. I want more from Old Hat! Stunning recordings, rare music An album to live with Great music - great supporting documentation Simply magnificent

Violin, Sing The Blues For Me: African-American Fiddlers 1926-1949 Lonnie Johnson , Howard Armstrong , Mississippi Sheiks , Memphis Jug Band , Will Batts , Andrew Baxter , Jim Baxter , Tommie Bradley , James Cole , Louie Bluie , and Whistler's Jug Band Manufacturer: Old Hat Records / Enterprises ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Delta Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Blues | Styles | Music Memphis Blues | Regional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Traditional Blues | Blues | Styles | Music General | Compilations | Blues | Styles | Music Acoustic Blues | Blues | Styles | Music Old-Time Country | Traditional Country | Country | Styles | Music Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music General | Rock | Styles | Music Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music General | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Ragtime | Traditional Jazz & Ragtime | Jazz | Styles | Music Similar Items: Folks, He Sure Do Pull Some Bow! Vintage Fiddle Music 1927-1935: Blues, Jazz, Stomps, Shuffles & Rags Music From The Lost Provinces: Old-Time Stringbands From Ashe County, North Carolina & Vicinity 1927-1931 Good For What Ails You: Music of the Medicine Shows 1926-1937 The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of Down In The Basement: Joe Bussard's Treasure Trove of Vintage 78s 1926-1937 (Digipak) ASIN: B00000JC8X Release Date: 1999-08-24

Tracks:

1. Violin Blues - Johnson Boys
2. K.C. Railroad Blues - Andrew & Jim Baxter
3. Beaver Slide Rag - "Peg Leg" Howell & His Gang
4. Alma Waltz - Mississippi Mud Steppers
5. Window Pane Blues - Tommie Bradley
6. Travelin' Railroad Man - Alabama Sheiks
7. Pig Meat Blues - Whistler & His Jug Band
8. Right Now Blues - Frank Stokes
9. East Jackson Blues - Bo Chatmon
10. Memphis Blues - Mobile Strugglers
11. Vine Street Drag - Tennessee Chocolate Drops
12. Broken Bed Blues - Kansas City Blues Strummers
13. Lonesome Blues - Henry Williams & Eddie Anthony
14. Memphis Shakedown - Memphis Jug Band
15. Adam And Eve - Tommie Bradley
16. Tell Me Man Blues - Henry "Son" Sims
17. Blue Coat Blues - "Blue Coat" Tom Nelson
18. Salty Dog - Booker Orchestra
19. Baby, Please Don't Go - Joe Williams' Washboard Blues Singers
20. Stop & Listen Blues No. 2 - Mississippi Sheiks
21. Stealin' Blues - Cow Cow Davenport
22. The Moore Girl - Andrew & Jim Baxter
23. Highway No. 61 Blues - Jack Kelly & His South Memphis Jug Band
24. Ted's Stomp - Louie Bluie & Ted Bogan

Amazon.com

Nearly essential for anyone interested in old-time music, Violin, Sing the Blues for Me may be quite simply the best single-disc anthology of the early 20th century black string-band movement available today. The emphasis here is on the bluesy fiddle playing heard between 1926 and 1949, but the music boasts reams of diverse styles and playing that is simply impossible to pigeonhole. Andrew Baxter milks his fiddle for all its plaintive worth against brother Jim's guitar on "K.C. Railroad Blues," the Mississippi Mud Steppers' "Alma Waltz" is as sublime as they come (perhaps the greatest side ever recorded to feature a banjo-mandolin), and there are plenty of other tracks featuring the now-forgotten wail of the blues violin. But the lively tunes steal the show here: the Mobile Strugglers's previously unissued "Memphis Blues" from 1949 is a classic breakdown; the Tennessee Chocolate Drops's "Vine Street Drag" (featuring the fast fiddling of Howard "Louie Bluie" Armstrong) showcases some true violin virtuosity; and the Memphis Jug Band's "Memphis Shakedown" is a tour de force of energy and great playing. Truth is, there's not a weak track here, and the copious liner notes will keep you busy long after the CD has played out. If you want to hear the roots of the blues, don't pass this disc up. --Jason Verlinde

Album Description

"A top-notch compilation of classic performances with superb booklet and photos as well. This is an essential album for anyone interested in blues or string band music." Terry Zwigoff - film director Art School Confidential, Bad Santa, Ghost World, Crumb, Louie Bluie - oldhatrecords.com/ZwigoffInt.html

The violin played a significant role in the early history of recorded blues, with its crying vibratos and sliding notes creating a dramatic and soulful sound. Violin, Sing The Blues For Me offers 24 tracks of this rare music, played by many of the greatest black fiddlers who recorded before mid-century. From the sophisticated style of Lonnie Johnson to the raw Delta blues of Henry Sims to the rollicking tunes of the Memphis Jug Band, these musicians demonstrate the depth and diversity of African-American fiddle music. Included are two early instrumentals by the multitalented Howard Armstrong, also known as "Louie Bluie," whose career in music spanned seven decades. This unique collection presents 73 minutes of vintage fiddle music carefully remastered from original 78rpm records. In addition to blues, the album contains country dances, rags and stomps, folk songs and medicine show music. The CD comes with a 32-page, full-color booklet with detailed history, complete discography, and a host of rare photographs and illustrations.

Album Details

24 Tracks of Rare Blues, featuring Mississippi Sheiks, Lonnie Johnson, Memphis Jug Band, Booker Orchestra, Andrew Baxterm Mobile Strugglers, Peg Leg Howell and Many More.

Customer Reviews:

Some not so pretty, but mostly Great. I want more from Old Hat!.......2006-07-27

Inspired by my recent review of Sam Ku West's cd of Hawaiian steel guitar from 1927 and '28, and his version of Memphis Blues contained therein, I decided I need to review this disc which contains a killer Memphis Blues by the Mobile Strugglers.

What you get here is a very fine collection of mostly pre-war fiddle musics, covering a wide range of styles and abilities. From the abysmal toned, a-rhythmic atrocity of Alma Waltz (the very rare bad track) by the Mississippi Mudsteppers at the low end of the spectrum, to the bluesy drawl of Broonzy's fiddle, all the way up to the utter brilliance of the great Lonnie Johnson.

Still, the lesser-knowns are what this is about. Sure the titles of this and the "Folks, He..." disc put the emphasis on violins/fiddles but the music doesn't stop there. There are some seriously great bands here. Full-on killin groove units that will have you dancing on the couch as you listen... Memphis Shakedown and the "train impersonation" song, Moore Girl, for example. I've always found the latter interesting because, at least in my experiences thus far, I'm more familiar with black train-sound songs being done with harmonica, while whites seem to favor fiddle trains. A very cool track.

Also though, for me, Frank Stokes' Right Now Blues and the Alabama Sheiks' Travelin Railroad Blues give this disc a more pensive, vulnerable feeling than the "Folks, He..." disc.

Lots of stylistic variety, lots of great songs and playing. Had I reviewed this when it first came out I'd have probably given it 5 stars, but with the subsequent release of "Folks, He..." I do have to say that the "Folks, He..." disc has a touch better sound. A little less muffled. When I listen to these 2 right in a row, I listen to this one a few clicks louder to make it sound as good.

My continued thanks to all the collectors out there who saved this stuff, and to labels like Old Hat who've allowed people like me to enjoy!

Stunning recordings, rare music.......2002-07-27

It's pretty amazing, this late in the folkloric/historic reissues game, to find a whole album's worth of "undiscovered" old-timey music that is of such a high caliber. Old Hat Records, a tiny North Carolina indie label, packs its discs with some of the best music in the style that you're ever likely to hear. (You might also want to check out the "Lost Provinces" and "Folks, He Sure Do Pull Some Bow" CDs...) This disc highlights a rare style of African-American fiddle music, featuring rare recordings by the bands that dotted the southern landscape 'way back when. These groups mixed stringband styles and jazzy jug-band blues and, not incidentally, made some of the catchiest music ever. In addition to great sound quality and great material, the CD is handsomely packaged; the insert booklets include some really cool archival photos, as well as extensive liner notes of the sort that have been woefully absent on similar recent reissue efforts.

An album to live with.......2001-10-25

This has rapidly become one of my favorite discs. Excellent selection of tracks, excellent transfers, excellent booklet. My only complaint would be that the text in the booklet is not in the same order as the tracks on the disk.

Great music - great supporting documentation.......2001-03-01

As early as colonial times, free and enslaved blacks were widely known for their virtuosity on the fiddle, so it was only natural that the instrument would eventually find a home in the blues...even though most people probably don't tend to think of it there. And that's the beauty of this CD. It contains samples of the blues and many of the traditions that preceded it: country dances, rags and stomps, folks songs and medicine show music, all lovingly remastered from early recordings to create 73 minutes of vintage fiddle music. The 32-page full-color booklet alone is worth the price. This is a must-have for any student of African American culture in general, or anyone who just enjoys good music.

Simply magnificent.......1999-07-16

I don't believe this release can be improved. The song selection is terrific from both a musical and historical perspective. Sound mastering is excellant. The notes, artwork and photographs were not an after thought. They are very well done. OLD HAT has now released two top notch volumes and I really hope there is a lot more in the pipe. This is a mandatory disc for all blues and old timey fans. About the only negative is the sad fact that it probably won't get out to a wider audience. A reissue done by people who love and respect this music. Just superb.

Average customer rating: Music from Humphrey Bogar Movies Simply the original not the stuff dreams are made of

Music from Humphrey Bogart Movies Manufacturer: The Sound Track Facto ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD All Works by Takemitsu | Takemitsu, Toru | ( T ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Waxman | Waxman, Franz | ( W ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Soundtracks | Imports | Stores | Music Similar Items: Sings Stardust and His Other Great Compositions Stardust Melody Casablanca: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Hoagy Sings Carmichael A Portrait of Hoagy Carmichael ASIN: B00006CFHZ Release Date: 2002-08-08

Tracks:

1. As Time Goes By [From Casablanca] - Elliot Carpenter, Dooley Wilson
2. Am I Blue/Hong Kong Blues/The Rhumba Jumps/How Little We Know [from To - Hoagy Carmichael, , Andy Williams
3. And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine [From the Big Sleep] - Lauren Bacall
4. Petrified Forest
5. My Melancholy Baby/I'm Just Wild About Harry/It Had to Be You/In a ...
6. High Sierra
7. Maltese Falcon - Jo Stafford
8. Baila Bailando/Too Marvelous for Words [From Dark Passage]
9. Treasure of the Sierra Madre
10. Moanin' Low - Claire Trevor
11. African Queen
12. Oh, Give Me Time for Tenderness [From Dark Victory] - Vera Van

Album Description

Full title - Music From Humphrey Bogart Movies. Includes music from the classics, 'Casablanca' (1942), 'The Big Sleep' (1946), 'Key Largo' (1948), 'To Have & Have Not' (1944), 'The Petrified Forest' (1936), 'The Roaring Twenties' (1939), 'High Sierra' (1941), 'The Maltese Falcon' (1941), 'Dark Passage' (1947) & 'The African Queen' (1951). Highlights include, Dooley Wilson & Elliot Carpenter Trio 'As Time Goes By', Andy Williams 'Little We Know' & Lauren Bacall 'And Her Tears Flowed Like Wine'. Slipcase. 2002.

Customer Reviews:

Music from Humphrey Bogar Movies.......2007-06-27

I was disappointed. I thought I would be getting a CD of full length themes from his movies but the CD is exactly what it says. It is from the actual films, in sections and pieces. I can't say it was misrepresented so I guess I was at fault. But I am sorry I bought it.

Simply the original.......2007-06-19

As the previous reviewer rightly pointed out, these are the original recordings from the era the films were made. And yes, the sound is completely different from what we are used to hear when we are turning the CD player on: it's mono, it's partially unsteady and some of the pieces suddenly fade. BUT, it's the REAL thing and it transports the charms and the charisma, inherent to the original ONLY.
Those who prefer the flawless technical perfection of a re-recording better should save their money. But for those who love the movies and their genuine sound, should be perfectly pleased with this release.

not the stuff dreams are made of.......2007-01-03

most of the tracks on this cd are available elsewhere, but what prompts me to give this a low review is the quality of the recording. some of them sound like they were taped off of a tv set showing a warbly print. you can do better elsewhere.

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