Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou

Various Artists SFW40464

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

Country(s) Haiti; United States
Culture Group(s) African Caribbean
Keyword(s) Music--Caribbean; Religious; World music
Instrument(s) Ason; Banbou; Bas; Boula; Chorus; Conch shell; Drum; Gamel; Kanari; Kloch; Lanbi; Manman; Menwat ensemble; Metal, struck; Ogan; Oungenikon; Rada ensemble; Rara band; Segon; Violin; Vocals; Vocals, group
Language(s) Haitian French Creole

Year of Recording 1995
Record Label Smithsonian Folkways Recordings
Source Archive Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage
Credits Produced by Elizabeth McAlister ; Liner Notes by David Yih ; Liner Notes by Gerdès Fleurant ; Liner Notes by Gage Averill ; Photography by Chantal Regnault ; Compiled by Elizabeth McAlister ; Notes Edited by Elizabeth McAlister ; Liner Notes by Elizabeth McAlister ; Produced by Elizabeth A. McAlister

Download Liner Notes

101	Badè	Rara Machine	2:19
102	Azouke Legba (Dans Kanari)	Vodou Le	3:45
103	Bosou Djo Eya (Mayi rhythm)	Sociètè Jour M'alongè Fòc Nan Point Dieu Devant	1:17
104	Pale-m Mal (Mayi rhythm)	RAM	2:48
105	Legba Plante'I Poto/Papa Loko Di Yo Sa (Yanvalou rhythm)	Master Drummer Coyote	3:56
106	Vye Gran O Prete Mwen Chwai La (Zepol rhythm)	Sociètè Soleil Levant	1:09
107	Simbi Dio (Yanvalou rhythm)	Frisner Augustin and La Troupe Makandal	5:10
108	Guantanamo Song (Rara rhythm, Southern style)	Rara Inorab Kapab	1:50
109	Konbit Zaka (Djouba rhythm)	Boukman Eksperyans	4:22
110	Laserenal	Premye Nimewo Group	1:50
111	Kadja Kadja Nou Tande (Grennadye rhythm)	Lakou Souvenans	1:40
112	Tande (Grennadye rhythm)	Boukan Ginen	5:35
113	Sen Franswa Di Priye Dye Fò (Mereng rhythm)	Group at Sal Bosou Twa Kòn temple	2:53
114	Chwal Sen Jak Mare Nan Poto	Micheline Forestal	0:52
115	Ogou O Wa De Zanj (Song for Ogou)	Mimerose Beaubrun	1:46
116	Piè Aleman Batala Lemiso (Nago rhythm)	Lakou Badjo	3:13
117	Gangan Move Tèt O (Petwo Rhythm)	Rasin Mapou de Azor	4:05
118	Brave Guede Banda (Port-au-Prince Banda rhythm)	Wawa and his group	3:11
119	Rara Ya Sezi (Rara) / Bizango Song for Kalfou (Chika rhythm)	Lakou Kanno/Sosyete Manto Sen Pyè	2:15
120	Djab-la Fouye Twou-li	Doudli's Sister	1:40

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*One or more tracks from this album are unavailable for digital download. You may download the available tracks individually below. Please purchase the CD version to receive all tracks.