Label: Folkways Records – FE 4385
Format: Vinyl, LP
Country: US
Released: 1972
Genre: Folk, World, & Country
Style: African
Mind-blowing, revelatory collection of traditional music from the West African nation of Liberia. (NM/VG+ - with insert)
Liberian culture scholars Verlon Stone and Ruth Stone recorded this album of traditional Kpelle songs in 1970. Kpelle music can be divided into two categories, ceremonial and non–ceremonial, and spans themes related to life–cycle events, work, secret society activities, and protest. Two types of music, the sung folktale and signal music (which reflects speech patterns and communicates messages) receive special attention. Liner notes include a description of Kpelle society and culture as well as track notes.
Tracklist
A1 Entertainment Love Song
A2 Framed Zither Solo
A3 Topical Song Of The Medicine Men's Meeting
A4 Poro Entertainment Song
A5 Horn And Drum Ensemble
A6 Children's Counting Song
B1 Musical Dramatic Folktale
B2 Rice Planting Song
B3 Musical Bow Solo
B4 Gbelee Entertainment Song
B5 Bush Clearing Song
B6 Xylophone Duet
B7 Entertainment Love Song
B8 Entertainment Song
