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

Various Artists
Rhythms of Life, Songs of Wisdom: Akan Music from Ghana
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Buy CD $14.98
Buy CD $14.98
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Download $9.99
Download $9.99
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

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

Album Info

Catalog Number

SFW40463

Year(s) Released

1996

Recording Date(s)

1990s

Label/Collection

Smithsonian Folkways Recordings

Genre(s)

World

Country(s)

Ghana

Culture Group(s)

Assin; Denkyira; Efutu; Fanti

Instrument(s)

Adawur ntaa; Afirikyiwa; Bass drum; Brass band; Cymbals; Drum; Drum, snare; Drum, tenor; Ensemble leader; Helicon; Horn, alto; Horn, baritone; Rattle; Talking drum; Tomtom; Trombone, valve; Trumpet; Tuba

Language(s)

Akan; Awutu

Credit(s)

Central Region Office of the Ghanaian Centre for National Culture - Partner Organization
 Valerie Mau Vetter - Photographer
 Roger Vetter - Photographer, Compiler, Liner Notes Editor, Liner Notes, Recorder
 Airshow - Mastering Engineer
 Visual Dialogue - Designer
 Roger R. Vetter - Recorder, Field Worker
Download Liner Notes
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