Music of the Kpelle of Liberia
Various Artists
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.
Track Listing
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101
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Entertainment Love Song | Wokpe, Ponaweni, Kao, Saki, mixed chorus | 4:23 | |
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102
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Framed Zither Solo | Flumo of Totota | 3:42 | |
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103
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Topical Song of the Medicine Men's Meeting | Lopuu, Zonkâi ensemble | 5:23 | |
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104
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Poro Entertainment Song | Young Poro member playing the gbegbetele, fellow male initiates | 2:36 | |
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105
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Horn and Drum Ensemble | Four horn players, two drummers | 4:14 | |
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106
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Children's Counting Song | Young female soloist, children from Totota, Bong Country | 1:13 | |
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201
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Musical Dramatic Folktale | Otto Giddings of Sanoyea, mixed chorus | 5:49 | |
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202
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Rice Planting Song | Sia-weli, women of a rice planting co-operative in Gborola | 1:31 | |
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203
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Musical Bow Solo | Jokoli of Totota | 1:00 | |
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204
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Gbelee Entertainment Song | Jokoli of Totota | 1:08 | |
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205
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Bush Clearing Song | Tokpa of Yanekwele, workers of a bush clearing co-operative, drummers | 3:03 | |
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206
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Xylophone Duet | Peter Giddings, Adam Kwana of Fokwele | 3:06 | |
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207
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Entertainment Love Song | Gamai from Stewart's Rubber Farm near Totota, chorus, drummers | 1:35 | |
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208
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Entertainment Song | Two performers from Kakata | 3:43 |
Album Info
Folkways Suggests
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Folk Songs of Four ContinentsThe Song Swappers and Pete Seeger
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Songs of Love, Play and ProtestFrank Schildt
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Folk Tales from West AfricaHarold Courlander
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Roots of Black Music in AmericaVarious Artists
