|
|
|
|
viewing 1 To 25 of 50 items
Next >>
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4CD
|
|
SWP 058CD
|
Four albums of glorious Zambian music from Western Province, also known as Barotseland. Zambian central government refers only to Western Province and consistently attempted to bury the notion of Barotseland. But the sense of nationhood persists in Barotseland, which leads to a strong sense of identity and that is heard in the music. Disc one - Siyemboka Music (SWP 059): the complete party that is siyemboka music, with a large silimba xylophone, drums, and joyous singing, is synonymous with Barotseland. Disc two - The Barotse Guitar (SWP 060): a specific guitar style, derived from the tuning and harmonics of the old kangombio lamellophone tradition, a beautiful sound waiting to get discovered. Disc three - Kangombio Silimba Jazz (SWP 061): a mixture of jazzy music from Zambia's Western Province -- with plenty of improvisation and individualistic identity: a virtuoso xylophone soloist, the cracked voices of the last kangombio players, and a swinging dance band. Disc 4 - Drums, Voices, and Sticks (SWP 062): a collection of fine drumming and beautiful vocals, sometimes accompanied by sticks on wood, sometimes by friction sticks. No compromises here, this is hardcore! Mediabook; Four-CD set including 48-page booklet.
Features Kapata Culture Group, Mumbumbu Cultural Group, Silimwa Selected, Nasiyongo Cultural Group, Yuka Royal Cultural Group, Kwalela Crew, Libala & Kapoba, Lipa Band, Libala Band, Mufalo Mukelabai, Barotse Band, Pelekelo Mufalo, Collens Shawinga, Alfred Chiyembele, Alban Kateta Kapemba, Ulengo Jazz Band, Mboanjikana Cultural Group, Chiweka Dancing Cultural Group, Yuka Royal Cultural Group, Libala Cultural Group, and Sibupiwa Cultural Group.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
LP
|
|
SWP 063LP
|
Four artists play seven glorious grooves from Zambia. The old silimba xylophone master Crispin Mutanuka with two rocksteady tracks, Mufrika Edward with his sparkling kalimba and golden voice on two tracks, and three examples of the Barotse Guitar style from the Lipa Band and the Libala Band. All recorded by drummer/composer/producer/field recordist Michael Baird with his stereo microphone, while playing percussion/drums.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
4CD
|
|
SWP 053CD
|
Four albums of glorious Zambian music from the easternmost part of Lusaka Province down to the southernmost part of neighboring Southern Province -- recordings from the confluence of the Luangwa and Zambezi rivers to the Victoria Falls. Disc one - Chikunda/Nsenga/Soli/Cewa (SWP 054): the music of the Chikunda people has never been recorded before, great drumming and beautiful songs by their Nsenga and Soli neighbors, sparkling kalimba in the Cewa tradition. Disc two - The Complete Kalonda Band Recordings (SWP 055): the legendary popular Southern Province group recorded in 1995 and 2002. Leader and guitarist John Simubba died in 2005, allegedly killed by witchcraft. Disc three - Southern Province Mix (SWP 056): a vibrant mix of traditional music of the Valley Tonga, Plateau Tonga, and Ila peoples, including warm examples of the homemade guitar and the mother of berimbau -- the kalumbu bow. Disc four - Leya Ceremony and Songs (SWP 057): from the immediate vicinity of the Victoria Falls -- only true name Shungu Namutitima -- come these ceremonial and traditional songs of great intensity and deep meaning of the Leya people. Mediabook; Four-CD set including 48-page booklet.
Features Chikunda Ngororombe Luangwa Group, Mwantanda Cultural Group, Yapite Cultural Group, Tiyiseko Group, Soli Culture Dance Troupe, Mufrika Edward, Dominic Mooya, Amos Milambo, Enock Mbongwe Haciwa, Chris Haambwiila, Obi Mizanda & Boka Chingomba, Veronica Doropo, Twiyandane Band, Tucembe Lunkonde Group, Ngoma Yamwami Ufwenuka, Saini Mweemba, Short Mazabuka, Green Mamba, and Aaron Nchenje.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
LP
|
|
SWP 050LP
|
SWP Records present a compilation focusing on the kankobela titled, The Kankobela of the Batonga. The kankobela is the thumb-piano of the Batonga people who live on either side of Lake Kariba, in Zambia or Zimbabwe. Upon hearing this music, it is hard to believe that the kankobela is an acoustic instrument considering its "electric" qualities. The "distortion" is made by taking the membrane a mother spider spins around her eggs and stretching it over a small hole in the hardwood plank of the instrument to create that wonderful buzzing. The "wah-wah" effect is achieved by lifting the plank at one end slightly off, then back on the resonator. The less taut the membrane, the heavier the buzz: "Tongatronics" but without any electricity! Other-worldly songs, mesmerizing time patterns - groovy, funky, ancient yet modern. Recordings by Michael Baird. Features: Nyeleti Mukkuli, Edward Mun'goma, Daunzi Munsaka, Johnny Mudenda, Aaron Nchenje, Andrew George Munyumbwe, Leonard Mweemba Siapwayuma and Timothy Mudimba.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
LP
|
|
SWP 051LP
|
Malawi Grooves 1950, '57, '58 compiled by Hugh Tracey shows Malawi's rich groove culture. Despite Madonna's adoptive meanderings, Malawi is still not fashionable. These crystal-clear recordings of incredibly hip music show that it should be for all music lovers, especially world music and African music fans; In fact for anyone looking for inspiration and beauty. This album with grooves by Cewa, Mang'anja, Tumbuka and Tonga musicians represents only some of Malawi's many rich musical cultures. Eight of the fifteen tracks on this album feature the bangwe board zither, an amazing seven-stringed instrument that is sometimes strummed and sometimes plucked. Also features pure wizardry by a tuned drum ensemble, a magical xylophone duet, an extraordinary big band of kazoos and exquisite acapella singing by both men and women. Recordings by Hugh Tracey. Features: Beti Kamanga, Limited Mfundo Phiri, Women At Visanaza, Elefala Jeremiah Mbewe, Bifi Phiri & Friend, Dedza Secondary School Boys, Benson Phiri & Band, Lonesi Chewane & Joni Hetera, Afredi Phiri and Tankadi Mbuluwundi & Friends.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
LP
|
|
SWP 049LP
|
Limited-edition 180-gram LP version. Includes seven tracks from the CD version. With guests David Tronzo (USA) on slide guitar, Yvonne Cornelius (Germany) on vocals, and Andy Moor (UK) on guitar. There is a string sextet, there are wailing electric guitars, there are thumb pianos, there are sensual vocals, there are various drums, there is an electric cello -- just a few of the colors on this album. This music cannot be categorized; you will have to hear it.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 048CD
|
Twelve different tracks, 12 different moods. With guests David Tronzo (USA) on slide guitar, Yvonne Cornelius (Germany) on vocals, and Andy Moor (UK) on guitar. There is a string sextet, there are wailing electric guitars, there are thumb pianos, there are sensual vocals, there are various drums, there is an electric cello -- just a few of the colors on this album. This music cannot be categorized; you will have to hear it!
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 047CD
|
Brian Chilala is known in Zambia as "The Rebel," with his sharp lyrics satirically addressing both moral and political issues in the country. Onetime protégé of both Zamrock legend Paul Ngozi and Amayenge leader Chris Chali, Chilala has been performing his own songs since 1997, when he also formed his own backing group, Ngoma Zasu. They are a true pan-Zambian band, playing all the dance styles from the various provinces of the country with great expertise and talent; the homegrown kalindula style is alive and well thanks to them, and their live performances are explosive! Zambia lies between the Congo and Zimbabwe, not only geographically, but also musicologically. Looking at it that way, the music just has to be interesting, and this wonderful compilation of Zambia's most energetic frontman and one of the best bands in the country does not disappoint. Kalindula is back -- in fact it never really went away. So Vangaza -- let's dance!
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 007CD
|
1998 release. In 1961 the court of the Tutsi king was no more and the music exclusive to it was never heard again! These historical recordings made in 1952 at the court by pioneer Hugh Tracey give us an impression of this place of absolute power and yet beautiful music. Featuring some of the best ensemble drumming you will hear anywhere, praise songs of great intensity, and eerie horn ensembles. Includes a 16-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 010CD
|
1998 release. The "thumb-piano" and "musical bow" are now as rare in Zambia as they were once common! A selection from Hugh Tracey's historical recordings of these wonderful "little" musics -- sometimes extroverted, sometimes meditative. Whether it be the mysterious tinkling of the various kalimbas, or the deep buzz of the kalumbu bow, you can't help but be charmed. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 009CD
|
1998 release. Mbuti pygmies came out of the forest to barter with their Bantu neighbors -- Nande, Bira, Mangbele & Budu -- but it was also the scene of a unique musical interaction! Exquisite music from another world. One helluva party going on at Chief Baonoko's village -- tipoyi carrier songs, message drums, pygmies playing Bantu instruments, and their own forest songs. Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 004CD
|
1996 release. There are few contemporary productions where African polyrhythms, Western composition techniques and jazzy improvisations are mixed in such a fresh and surprising way. On this album, recorded in 1996, with the help of international friends David Tronzo (USA), Vitold Rek (PL), Michael Moore (USA), Hans Hasebos (NL), Mark Lotz (D), Michel Massot (B) -- all top musicians in the field of improvised music -- Zambian-born drummer/composer Michael Baird continues developing his "voodoo-jazz" style.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 008CD
|
1998 release. In 1966 the palaces of the Ganda, Nyoro and Ankole peoples were seized and burned, the musicians dispersed or killed and the royal instruments destroyed! Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Featuring the last Ganda royal harpist -- the great Temusewo Mukasa -- as well as the royal flute ensemble, drum ensemble and xylophone ensemble. From the Nyoro court the swinging royal horn ensemble, and unique royal drums. Songs from the Ankole court. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 006CD
|
1998 release. An octet of international musicians, all living at the time in Utrecht, Holland, led by drummer/composer Michael Baird. Utrecht Deep Artment dream, chirp and swing. There is a continual tightrope act going on, between humor and seriousness, improvisation and composition and, indeed, between abstraction and concrete, deep swinging structures. From the first notes onwards, Sirenians pulls the listener into the deep, into a world that floats between dreaming and waking. This music is original down to its innermost fiber and defies any attempt to categorize it.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 012CD
|
2000 release. The well-known mbira dza vadzimu is not the only instrument of Zimbabwe. On this album: the versatile mbira dza vandau, the almost-extinct chipendani and chizambi mouth bows, the njari mbira, the mulanji flute, the thunderous matepe mbiras and wonderful drumming and panpipes. A collection of gems, recorded by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 24-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 011CD
|
1999 release. A musical portrait of the lesser-known Kanyok people, their various direct and indirect Luba neighbors of southern Congo and the urbanizing Katanga mine culture. Amazing xylophones, likembe thumb-pianos of immense beauty, great grooves, gourd singing, the first Katanga guitars -- what richness and diversity! These are the roots of Kasai music. Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 014CD
|
2000 release. Twinned with SWP Records' other Malawi album, SWP 013, but now with music from the northern half of Malawi. More wonderful bangwe zither songs, and malipenga kazoos, but also featuring the karigo lute, the kubu bow, the kalimba -- and exceptional a cappella singing. An album of musical jewels. Tonga, Tumbuka and Cewa peoples recorded by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 015CD
|
2001 release. In the new urban culture that invented itself during the '50s in the copper mining towns of Katanga Province in southern Congo and on the Copperbelt in northern Zambia, the guitar became an important status symbol and local styles quickly developed. This also happened in the big southern African railway connection of Bulawayo in Zimbabwe. This collection of recordings by Hugh Tracey is an exciting document, the emergence of a new sound -- a must for all fans of African guitar. Includes a 24-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 013CD
|
2000 release. A variety of musics by the Mang'anja, Yao and Cewa peoples, found in the 1950s in the southern half of Malawi -- the beautiful bangwe zither, the magnificent tuned drum likhuba ensembles, brilliant xylophone playing, a small big band of kazoos. Such a richness of good music, creativity and identity -- and so well-recorded. Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Twinned with SWP's other Malawi album, SWP 014. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 016CD
|
2001 release. This album mainly features two Mangbetu groups -- the Mayogo and the Meje -- with drum ensembles, mass singing, exquisite likembe playing, and the Azande people to the west with xylophone and the intimate kundi harp. More harp by the Balendu and a unique recording explaining the language of sending messages by talking drums by the Lokele near Stanleyville (Kisangani). As The New York Times wrote: "Music from another world!" Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 017CD
|
2001 release. Zulu singing may be well-known nowadays, but the voices of two neighboring peoples -- the culturally and linguistically connected Sotho and Tswana -- have until now remained out of the spotlight. Their singing of songs of great beauty is both powerful and moving, often of ancient origins and containing much wisdom. And their voices are also very present in the festive ditlhaka reedpipe ensembles and eerie lesiba mouthbow songs, included in this unique collection of historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Twinned with SWP Records' other South African album The Nguni Sound, SWP 020 -- this is South African roots music! Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 018CD
|
2002 release. A solo project by drummer/composer Michael Baird. Gongs and bells vibrate, tremble, quake, quiver, flutter, flicker, murmur, hum, throb, ding, dong, peal, ping, trill, tinkle, oscillate, ring and shake. Each one a microcosm, wonderfully recorded, capturing every overtone. The album enters the borderland between ethnic music, improvisation and soundscape without the pretension of being experimental, and where you seem to get liberated from all kinds of musical conventions. Includes an 8-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 025CD
|
2003 release. Aside from Katanga in the Congo and the Zambian Copperbelt, southern Mozambique also developed its own distinctive guitar sound in the '50s -- the roots of marrabenta. Listen to the enigmatic Feliciano Gomes sing about the problems of getting children, the promiscuity of women, snobbism, jealousy, the supernatural, enjoy Aurelio Kowano's virtuoso rhythm guitar playing, and others -- now no longer forgotten. Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 028CD
|
2005 release. Three Zambian legends: the sophisticated group The Big Gold Six featuring the jazzy guitar of Bestin Mwanza, the sweet singer from the province Emmanuel Mulemena, and the cosmopolitan Nashil Pichen Kazembe. Now we can finally hear how they sounded -- and what we hear are three different great vocal sounds and three different great guitar sounds that could only have come from Zambia. So once again, put yourself in a dancing mode and let yourself be zambushed by this beautiful music! Includes a 24-page booklet.
|
|
|
Artist |
Title |
Format |
Label |
Catalog # |
|
|
CD
|
|
SWP 022CD
|
2003 release. Features master-musicians playing some of the many instruments that were to be found in this large country, in both instrumental tunes and in accompaniment of songs. The dark rumblings of the nanga trough zither, sparkling likembe notes, deep drumming, flute laments, panpipes -- from the northwestern corner near Lake Victoria to the musical melting pot of Zanzibar. A journey of highlights only. Historical recordings by Hugh Tracey. Includes a 20-page booklet.
|
viewing 1 To 25 of 50 items
Next >>
|
|