Skip to main content

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

icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
101
Cromanti Cudjoe - Beg Pardon Big Drum Song n/a 03:23
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
102
Ibo and Dem - Nation Big Drum Song n/a 01:35
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
103
Ju Belle - Juba Big Drum Song n/a 01:34
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
104
January Has Gone Away - Patois Song n/a 01:17
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
105
Lillian - Calypso n/a 02:13
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
106
Good South - Calypso n/a 04:38
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
107
Raycan - Calypso n/a 01:51
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
108
Mama Liza Canbulay - Kalinda Big Drum Song n/a 00:56
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
109
Juvay Mama - Carnival Jab-Jab n/a 01:22
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
110
Ladies and Gents - Carnival Speech n/a 00:40
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
111
Political Discrimination - Calypso n/a 01:35
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
201
Hello in Africa - Carnival Wild Indian Mas' n/a 00:44
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
202
Mas' in Madison Square Garden - Carnival Steel Band n/a 01:18
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
203
Mas' in Madison Square Garden - Carnival String Band n/a 01:16
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
204
Who Go Cut the Wood Tirina? - Pass Play Ring Game Song n/a 00:44
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
205
Christmas Serenading - Hosannah Bands n/a 02:52
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
206
First Figure - Lancer's Dance n/a 01:25
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
207
Bam Bam We Want to Soldier - Joining Wedding Song n/a 01:11
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
208
In the Mood - Joining Wedding Music / Yankee Doodle - Joining Wedding Music n/a 01:36
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
209
The Lord Is My Shepherd - Hymn n/a 01:27
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
210
I'm a Born Believer - Sankey n/a 02:15
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
211
Ring Down Below - Shanty n/a 01:16
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
212
Second Figure Waltz - Quadrille n/a 01:45
icon-circle-play svg-new-pause-button
213
If I Were a Black Bird - Ballad n/a 03:44