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The Big Drum and Other Ritual and Social Music of Carriacou

Various Artists
The Big Drum and Other Ritual and Social Music of Carriacou

Donald R. Hill overviews the musical scene of the island of Carriacou in the Grenadines, tracing the series of cultural roots branching out to West Africa, Europe, the Mediterranean, the greater Caribbean and, even, North America. Representing the West African lineage, the Big Drum Dance is one of the most significant musical rituals on the island, which is prepared for special festivals such as marriage ceremonies, tombstone raisings, fishing boat launchings and in the case of ill-health or ill-fortune. Meanwhile, carnival calypsos carry their distinctively Caribbean flavor, Christmas serenades include favorite European hymns like “Joy to the World,” and the use of the ballad and quadrille genres reveal specifically British and French presences, respectively.

Track Listing

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101
Cromanti Cudjoe (Beg Pardon Big Drum Song) Sugar Adam, Mary Fortune, Lucien Duncan, Caddy John, Grace Roman, Faith Lawrence and others 03:23
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102
Ibo and Dem (Nation Big Drum Song) Mary Fortune, Lucien Duncan, Caddy John, Fernan' Mitchel, Prince Lawrence, Grace Roman and Faith Lawrence 01:35
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103
Ju Belle (Juba Big Drum Song) Sugar Adam, Mary Fortune, Lucien Duncan, Caddy John, Grace Roman, Faith Lawrence and others 01:34
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104
January Has Gone Away (Patois Song) Morgan Longland, Augustus Providence 01:17
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105
Lillian (Calypso) Desmond Bristol 02:13
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106
Good South (Calypso) Mighty Tangler and the Sunrise Combo 04:38
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107
Raycan (Calypso) The Sunblister's Combo 01:51
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108
Mama Liza Canbulay (Kalinda Big Drum Song) Caddy John, Fernan' Mitchel, Fenderson Lawrence, Mitchel Lawrence 00:56
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109
Juvay Mama (Carnival Jab-Jab) Jab-jabs at a Carnival celebration 01:22
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110
Ladies and Gents (Carnival Speech) St. John Joseph 00:40
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111
Political Discrimination (Calypso) Desmond Bristol 01:35
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201
Hello in Africa (Carnival Wild Indian Mas') Male vocal chorus at Carnival 00:44
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202
Mas' in Madison Square Garden (Carnival Steel Band) Solar Symphony Steel Orchestra 01:18
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203
Mas' in Madison Square Garden (Carnival String Band) Carnival string band with saxophone 01:16
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204
Who Go Cut the Wood Tirina? (Pass Play Ring Game Song) Teenage boys and girls from L'Esterre 00:44
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205
Christmas Serenading (Hosanna bands) Desmond Bristol, Gordon Cayanne, Billy Lynch, and friends 02:52
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206
First Figure (Lancer's dance) Cecil Chase, Simon Alexander, Milton Coy, M. Caldwell Roberts, Kaison Augustine 01:25
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207
Bam Bam We Want to Soldier (Joining Wedding Song) Brison Bristol, Jones Corrion, Alton Joseph, Canute Caliste 01:11
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208
In the Mood / Yankee Doodle (Joining Wedding Music) Mr. St. Hilaire, Mr. Benjamin of Petite Martinique, unknown chac-chac player 01:36
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209
The Lord Is My Shepherd (Hymn) Woman singing with chorus at prayer meeting (Tombstone Feast), Top Hill 01:27
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210
I'm a Born Believer (Sankey) Male and female chorus with handclapping at prayer meeting 02:15
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211
Ring Down Below (Shanty) Charlie Bristol with male chorus at a Tombstone Feast 01:16
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212
Second Figure Waltz (Quadrille) Canute Caliste, Jones Corion, Alton Joseph 01:45
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213
If I Were a Black Bird (Ballad) Mr. and Mrs. Bethel and son of Windward 03:44