This album is a selection of field recordings made in Gambia over a one-year period (1971–1972) by Marc Pevar, and it presents music for various occasions from three of the main ethnic groups that live in Gambia: the Mandinka, Jola, and Wolof. Included are examples of the musicianship of the bardic jola or griot caste of the Mandinka people, who are masters on the 21-string harp called the kora. The revered jali (praise singer) and kora player Alhaji Bai Konte, who performed at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1973, is among the musicians featured in this album. The liner notes are written in English, French, and Swedish and include photographs and detailed information on the music.

Track Listing