Francis Bebey ~ Akwaaba [Original Music, 1985] 320/FLAC

OMCD 005

1. Akwaaba
2. Bissau
3. Binta Madiallo
4. Ngoma Likembe
5. Tumu Pakara
6. Sassandra
7. Di Sengi



Composed By, Flute, Percussion, Kalimba [Sanza], Bells, Double Bass [String Bass], Vocals, Claves, Talking Drum, Pipe [Ndehou] – Francis Bebey

'In this 1985 release, composer/guitarist/singer/author Bebey used finger-piano, African flute, percussion and electric bass to draw on the whole range of African music today: traditional vocal styles [including an extraordinary 'double-voice' technique], Ghanaian flute, soukous basslines. The Boston Herald called Akwaaba "one of the most amazing and beautiful records I have ever heard.' ~ John Storm Roberts

a much needed interwebular upgrade of this seminal, desert island disque, which radically altered my perception of 'world music' & my relationship to it. a total game-changer. we encourage you not to miss the similarly stunning African Sanza over at freedomblues. special thanks to spinning fer the engaging booklet skans

Musique Centrafricaine 10" [Collection Radiodiffusion] field recordings from 1962 [Ocora 13, 1963]

Republique Centrafricaine 10"
[Collection Radiodiffusion Outre-Mer, 1963] field recordings from 1962
[CR-13, Ocora 13]

Face I
01. Bagandou musique [sanza w/ 13 metal keys & manza xylophone w/ calabash resonators]
02. Mabinga [pygmy] polyphony played at the conclusion of an elephant hunt
03. Linda musique [for a mbake rejoicing]
04. Broto musique [animal horn & ongo orchestra]
05. N'dokpa [instrumental language of lingassio (the pit-xylophone)]
06. N'dopka courting musique [lingassio & kalangba [xylophone w/ calabash resonators]
07. Dakpa [recording of a tree being felled w/ an axe]

Face II
08. Isongo [female lullaby featuring a rapid yodeling falseto & hand-clapped rhythm]
09. Azande [Gbainlain dance featuring kponimbo xylophone, nzoro bells & gaza drums]
10.Babinga [post-hunt handclapping & bgongo harp zither made of vegetable matter]
11. Dakpa [chant to chase delectable termites out of their hill featuring 1/2 calabash]
12. Bofi [children's nightingale imitation song about being careful]
13. Bofi [children's song about the wind uprooting the manioc (cassava) shrub]
14. Bianda [Emile Gbayola sings accompanying himself on the sanza [thumb piano]

this record touches upon the musique of numerous ethnique groups which comprised select regions of the Central African Republique in 1962. the sheer diversity of the ethnique complex provides an impressive variety of musical expression & form. this 10" was released by collection radiodiffusion outre-mer before they offically became ocora. it was later re-issued as an LP featuring liner notes in english & an extra Bofi children's song. included are the original 10" scans & liner notes in french in addition to the later LP artwork & bonus traque. 320 vinyl rip + several skans & images. daps yet again to op