Rhythms of Life, Songs of Wisdom: Akan Music from Ghana

Various Artists

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This recording leaves the listener breathless and astounded by the musical richness of this small area of Africa. In these performances from remote areas of central Ghana, the collective musical genius of everyday farmers, fisher-folk, traders, and civil servants bursts forth. Their singing and chanting moves through a colorful palette of instruments including water drums, rectangular frame drums, side-blown horns, and brass bands. Clear, penetrating sounds of metal instruments offset by complex drumming patterns are framed by haunting vocals. Listeners are immersed in a kaleidoscope of sound. Thirteen tracks and a 28-page booklet including extensive notes and photos. This is the only commercially available recording of Akan music.

Track Listing

101	Akosua Tuntum	Akosua tuntum ensemble of Assin Enyinabirim	4:57
102	Ompeh	Ompeh ensemble led by Stanley Ato Bortsie and Ato Quartey	5:18
103	Akosua Tuntum	Akosua tuntum ensemble of Diaso	5:50
104	Talking Drum	Elizabeth Kumi and Joseph Manu	3:27
105	Dansuomu	Dansuomu ensemble of Kyekyewere	5:44
106	Fontomfrom	Fontomfrom ensemble Eyisam Mbensuon	5:00
107	Mmensoun	Asafra Catholic C.Y.O. Mmensoun Group	4:59
108	Adzewa	Bentsir Adzewafo No. 1	4:13
109	Brass Band: Yesu ye medze / Nyame ye osahen (Christ is mine / God is King of all warriors)	Ogoekrom Brass Band No. 2	4:32
110	Vocal Band	Odo ye few korye kuw Vocal Band (Love is Beautiful Unity Vocal Band)	4:35
111	Apatampa	Apatampa band of Komenda	5:32
112	Osode	Twerrampon Traditionals	9:01
113	Moses	Twerrampon Traditionals	8:20

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Rhythms of Life, Songs of Wisdom: Akan Music from Ghana

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