John Brearley – Music of The Kalahari.
Label: Survival
Format: First Edition White Shell with Paper Labels with Paper Inlay Cassette, Album, Limited Edition, Promo, Special Edition, Charity Release.
Country: UK
Released: 1988
Genre: Folk, World Music, Ethnic
Style: Field Recording, African
Condition: EX+/EX+(like new)
Tracklist:
A1 "Kowelele"; a dance song from the north-east Botswana. The words are made up as the song progresses and often poke fun at the dancer or others present.
A2 "GPS"; a group of children sing their school song: "Ghanzi Primary School"
A3 The same children sing "The Dove", a traditional song handed down from their parents.
A4-A5 These excerpts were recorded at a San ("Bushman") healing dance in Western Botswana
A6 In the same district, members of a sewing cooperative sing a similar song amid the whirring of sewing machines.
A7 Gaishe and a friend perform the "Eland" song; Gaishe plays the Dongo
A8 Dongo solo: "Ostrich"
A9 Dongo solo; this is an excerpt from a performance consisting of over one hour continuous playing
B10-B11 Two short tunes played on the mouthbow
B12 Two short tunes played on the Segorogoro
B13 A wistful mouthbow tune; crickets chirp in the background.
B14 The same player plays his "very own song".
B15-B16 Two performances featuring the Dakateri
B17 A woman plays the Goroshi, while singing in a very soft, deep voice.
B18 Montlebosigo plays the Segaba and sings, reminiscing about his youth.
B19 A very old man sings a song about a worm, accompanying himself on the Segaba
B20-B21-B22 Traditional instruments tuned and played in a more modern idiom. Here are the Segaba, the Dongo, and the mouthbow played in a style reflecting the sounds of South African popular music.
B23 A fine example of Dongo playing, performed by "Tom" from western Botswana.
B24 A Rain-dance from north-eastern Botswana: "The rain god lives at Dombodema. Tomorrow I will be going to Bulawayo to ask for Rain."
Credits:
Recorded By – John Brearley
Copyright © – John Brearley
Cover – Sarah King
Copyright (Recordings & Notes): John Brearley 1988
Notes:
John Brearley’s collection began with his first trip to Botswana in July 1982 to investigate and record traditional music, and to observe the extent to which the influence of radio and recorded music had interrupted the use of traditional instruments. In particular he wanted to learn about the music of the Basarwa (San / Bushmen) and so the collection includes recordings from a range of Bushmen groups including the !Kung, Nharo and Makoko, and features performances of healing dances, games, and instrumental tunes on a range of indigenous instruments.
Please see my other Rare Afro Music.