Customer Reviews

The Garifuna Women's Project

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

As a consequence of musical explorations I discovered that the Garifuna are a mixed race culuture originating from indigenous peoples of the Americas and of African; so kind of the usual Latin American mix without the European bit. A unique cultural identity has formed within these peoples. Nevertheless, one can detect the European cross references without any trouble in amongst the polyrhythms and drums one would expect from that cultural background. It's an album of interest, and certainly one I like. But here we have the women, and I must admit that Andy Palacio and the Garifuna Collective in this case shows the men ahead of the women.

I really wanted to like this album, but I have to confess I've found it a little heavy going and samey. I've given it four stars on the basis of its worthiness as a project, and to acknowledge that I'm probably just not tuned in enough to this kind of thing to really get it. But I don't think I'll be playing it very often. My loss, probably.

Deeply spiritual and moving. Easy and varied Afro-Caribbean rhythms and harmonies. Simple, effective accoustic accompaniment and drumming. Roots music at its finest. For me, the best 'world' music album this year.
Doctor T

A most delightful album! I was amazed at the vocals being similar to those in west Afrika, despite this language having no Afrikan connection whatsoever! "Hattie" is a favourite, with the vocal arrangement reminiscent of eastern Yorubaland. I personally would have preferred the album to have been solely percussion-led but the producer's vision is by no means below par. A good compilation of "ancestral" vocals with good production.