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#281: Action of Grace:Soul of Urban Vodou (fwd)
From: Jim G. Frisken <bk087@scn.org>
Bonnie Devlin, a blan initiated as a Huntogi (ceremonial drum master) and
Sou-Mambo, has produced an interesting and very listenable CD that she
descibes as a musical tribute to the spirit of Vodou, and also to the
spirit of all faiths which do not fear the passion of the soul. Ms.
Devlin plays all of the drum parts on this studio-produced CD and sings
in Creole and a bit of French and English in a beautiful deep voice,
following a logical ceremonial progression from her personal Action of
Grace and bush priestess (pret savanne) segments through Yenvalou
(yanvalou), Zepaule (Zepol), Djumba (Djuba), Nago, Maiis (Mahi, Mayi),
Ibo, Congo, Ghede, Banda, Petro and ending with another of her
compositions. The recording quality is excellent and all drum parts can
be heard clearly, unlike most field recordings. Normally I'd be hesitant
to recommend a ceremonial recording to a general audience, but I
personally find her CD to be very relaxing and even hypnotic in places, a
fine listening experience available on Lyrichord ( LYRCD 7446 ).
Lyrichord also still sell their classic cassettes The Devine Horsemen:
Voodoo Gods of Haiti ( LLCT 7341 ), Maya Deren's wonderful 1940's field
recordings, and the 1970's Voodoo Trance Music : Ritual Drums of Haiti (
LLCT 7279 ). Another 1970's field recording still available on LP is
Ansonia Records SALP 1543, Haitian Voodoo - Drums and Chants, a ceremony
recorded in Boucan Carre, north of Mirabalais. The album cover features
interesting photos of Vodou art, altars, drummers, and of the ceremony.
Lyrichord Discs, 141 Perry St., New York, New York, 10014,
www.lyrichord.com , 1-888-LYRICHO
Ansonia Records, 380 Kamena St., Fairview, New Jersey, 07022 - 1735
(201) 945-7600