Various - The Rough Guide To Voodoo (World
Music Network)
CD/DL
Out Now
The latest in the long line of ‘Rough Guides’
giving introduction into lesser known musical genres, has arrived in the shape
of Voodoo.
I sort of had an idea what to expect with this
double cd compilation. Loads of
tribal-esque tracks, big drumbeats and weird chanting and wailing. I was completely wrong, and, that’s one of
the great things about the Rough Guide series. They are here to present under heard or
misunderstood music types and completely change your opinion. They often succeed.
‘Rough Guide To Voodoo’ is another double cd
this time containing twenty-five tracks which chart the expanse of Voodoo from Africa to Haiti to Cuba to Brazil
and even to New Orleans. The word
‘Voodoo’ comes from the word ‘Vodou’ which is a Haitian religion and has no
connection to the occult which was entirely glamorised by Hollywood, so, my expectations
were shot out of the water straight away!
Instead, what this collection brings is choral
singing and articulate percussion, but, also variations into blues, jazz and
brass ensembles – ‘New Orleans Funeral March’ by Steve Gray being a monster of
a track nestling in somewhere between the Tom Waits and the intro to the
Dixieland funeral march from Bond movie ‘Live And Let Die’.
It’s probably the difference in styles on this
collection which makes it so appealing.
Brazilian legends Baden Powell and Vinicius de Moreas unite their guitar
prowess, and, Maria Bethania performs a quite superb ‘Canto De Oxum’ which is
both haunting and beautiful.
As with many Rough Guide compilations, there’s
also a bonus disc featuring one particular artist, and, Haitian Vodou priest,
Erol Josue, is chosen here. Thirteen tracks act as a great introduction
to him with the pick of the bunch being a incredibly experimental ‘Nadoki Nadoka’ which really does have to be
heard to be believed.
Ear-opening stuff.
8/10
Links
Published on Louder Than War 26/10/13 - here
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