The Library CD Shelf
Lead Belly
Smithsonian Folkways
c/o Smithsonian Books
PO Box 73012, MRC 513, Washington, DC 20013
www.smithsonianbooks.com/usersection/Home.aspx
SFW-40201-CD, $98.98, www.amazon.com
Huddie William Ledbetter (January 20, 1888 - December 6, 1949) was an Ameri
can folk and blues musician notable for his strong vocals, virtuosity on th
e twelve-string guitar, and the songbook of folk standards he introduced. H
e is best known as Lead Belly. Although Lead Belly usually played the twelv
e-string guitar, he could also play the piano, mandolin, harmonica, violin,
and Cajun accordion ("windjammer"). In some of his recordings, such as in
one of his versions of the folk ballad "John Hardy", he performs on the acc
ordion. In other recordings he sings while clapping his hands or stomping h
is foot. The topics of Lead Belly's music covered a wide range, including g
ospel; blues about women, liquor, prison life, and racism; and folk songs a
bout cowboys, prison, work, sailors, cattle herding, and dancing. He also w
rote songs about people in the news, such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, Adolf H
itler, Jean Harlow, the Scottsboro Boys, and Howard Hughes. Lead Belly was
inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988 in the "Early Influenc
e" category. In 2008, he was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame
. Enhanced with the inclusion of five CDs featuring 94 of his song performa
nces, "Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection" also presents his p
ersonal story and music career along with many superbly reproduced period p
hotos. An absolute must for Lead Belly fans, "Lead Belly: The Smithsonian F
olkways Collection" would make an enduringly popular addition for academic
library American Music History collections, and is an ideal Memorial Fund A
cquisition selection for community libraries as well. It should be noted th
at ""Lead Belly: The Smithsonian Folkways Collection" is also available in
an MP3 format ($43.49).
The One
Ntjam Rosie
Gentle Daze Records
www.vision4talent.com
c/o Press Junkie PR
$TBA CD / $9.99 digital www.ntjamrosie.com
Cameroon-born, Dutch-based, Afro-European fashion and music artist Ntjam Ro
se (who performs internationally has been nominated for multiple awards) pr
esents The One, her fourth album. The One reverberates with elements of sou
l, folk, rhythm & blues, jazz, and vocal splendor. Bold and exuberant, The
One is a rousing audio experience to remember. The tracks are "The Beginnin
g", "He Loves Me So", "The One", "Always on the Run", "Forever Love", "Akib
a", "You Build Me Up", "Covenant", "Dear To Me", "Pas De Retour", "Reconcil
iation Song", "I'm Loved", and "Love To Be Here".
Akory
Razia Said
www.raziasaid.com
Wake Up Music
c/o Press Junkie PR
$13.00 http://wakeupmusic.bigcartel.com/product/akory
Singer, songwriter, and environmental activist Razia Said of Madagascar pre
sents Akory, a provocative new album about the environmental and polical pr
oblems besieging her homeland. Her real-life experiences in a land sufferin
g from illegal logging, slash-and-burn agriculture, the effects of climate
change, poverty, and political instability fuel this heartfelt album with a
strong message of social action. The rhythms of Akory reflect Madagascar's
extensive and proud musical traditions. A profound and powerful call to ac
tion, Akory is highly recommended for personal and public library collectio
ns alike. The tracks are "Taranaka Afara" (4:08), "Zanako" (3:37), "Akory T
sikaby" (3:28), "Baraingo" (3:30), "Ela Izay" (3:50), "Kajio" (3:36), "Amar
ay" (3:35), "Papillon" (3:35), "Gny Lalagna" (4:34), and "Nifankahita" (4:1
0).
NYC Sessions
Dave Bass
Whaling City Sound
1310 Tucker Road
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
www.whalingcitysound.com
$14.99 CD / $8.99 MP3 www.amazon.com
NYC Sessions is a jazz album featuring pianist and composer Dave Bass, as w
ell as Harvie S. on acoustic bass, Ignacio Berroa on drums, and Phil Woods
playing alto sax, and Karrin Allyson on vocals. A global medley of jazz sty
les flavor the various songs, in this swingin', soulful treasury. Highly re
commended! The tracks are "The Sixties" (6:02), "Lost Mambo" (4:55), "Endle
ss Waltz" (5:05), "La Comparsa / Mi Montuno" (7:17), "Lost Valentine" (7:12
), "My Foolish Heart" (5:32), "Baltic Bolero" (5:33), "Since I Found You" (
4:56), "Dark Eyes" (6:12), "Silence" (3:46), and "Just A Fool" (4:38).
In This Game
Complicated Animals
Socialite Fiasco Music
c/o Press Junkie PR
$TBA CD / $5.94 download www.complicatedanimals.com
Inspired by the vintage films and music, In This Game is the debut music CD
of Complicated Animals, the duo of Monica de Silva and Chad Alger. Their s
elf-coined "Indie Nova" musical genre is a lighthearted pop cascade with a
dash of Brazilian Bossa Nova. In This Game uses their signature style rhyth
ms to immerse the listener in an evocative, storytelling experience. Highly
recommended, especially for connoisseurs of quality indie music in search
of something fresh and original! The tracks are "Roadmap", "O Que Passou",
"Phoenix", "Bees Take To History", "Drive Around In Cars", and "Sempre Aqui
".
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