An extraordinary musical journey
Michael J. Mazza | Pittsburgh, PA USA | 10/15/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
""Smithsonian Folkways World Music Collection" brings together 28 selections of ethnic music from all over the world. There is, in my opinion, something for everyone on this CD. The songs are a diverse group: all instrumental pieces, all vocal selections, and songs that blend vocal and instrumental performances. There are both solo and group vocals. Many of the songs feature striking ethnic percussion.It is not possible in the space of a short review to go through all of the highlights on this CD. But here are a few of the pieces that made particular impressions on me: "Ompeh" (track #1), a joyful mix of percussion and group vocals from Ghana; "Animal Dance Song" (#2), an all-vocal selection by the Mbuti Pygmies of Zaire; "Seis Chorreao" (#5), an ebullient instrumental from Puerto Rico; Joseph Spence's "Brownskin Girl" (#11), featuring an amazing guitar performance from the Bahamas; the delicate, graceful "Paloma Blanca" (#15) from Peru; the haunting, tremulous vocal performance on "Mele Pule" (#18) from Hawai'i; and the mystical group vocals on "Shelkovaia v pole travushka" (#26) from Russia. I also want to make special mention of the wonderful "Lithuanian Lullaby" (#27) -- the charming vocal solo on this selection is accompanied by the laughter of the child being sung to.This is an amazing human journey through music, a journey that moves from the ethereal to the earthy, from the playful to the passionate. Highly recommended."