Rhythms of Life, Songs of Wisdom: Akan Music from Ghana
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.
RELATED LESSON PLAN
"They’re Ghana Love It!: Experiences with Ghanaian Music for Middle School General Music Students"
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 | 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 |
Album Info
Folkways Suggests
-
Music of the Ga People of Ghana: Adowa, Vol. 1Various Artists
-
Smithsonian Folkways World Music CollectionVarious Artists
-
Ewe Music of GhanaVarious Artists
-
Safarini in transit: Music of African immigrantsVarious Artists
