WOMEN OF THE CALABASH: The Kwanzaa Album

Women of the Calabash

The Kwanzaa Album

© 1999 Bermuda Reefs Records (793415182323)

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The ultimate in music for Kwanzaa. Uplifting, positive and beautifully performed. Great any time of the year.

tracks

1 Shekere Samba
2 Arara Yemonya
3 Nksoi Sikelel'iafrica
4 Ituri Forest
5 Chemutenguire
6 Mya Si Grei
7 Saraka
8 Ishe Oluwa
9 Yankady
10 Mena
11 Oshun Chant
12 Ogunire
13 Seven Principles
14 Gourd Cuanco
15 Coming Home
16 Lift Every Voice and Sing

notes

Led by Madeleine Yayodale Nelson, Women of the Calabash's "The Kwanzaa Album," is a magnificent work of art. Combining traditional (most often hand-made) instruments, lyrically harmonic vocals, and music forms with contemporary influences, Women of the Calabash have enchanted audiences of all ages for 20 years. Performing music from Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Black America. Formed in 1978, Madeleine Yayodele Nelson, Marsha Perry Starkes, and Mayra Casales combine percussion, informal dialog and different languages to create an authentic collection of music inspired by and based upon the ideals, stories, and history of the African-American holiday. There is so much history alive in this 16 track album. A song sung by enslaved Africans passed down through the generations, an anthem of the African National Congress since 1925 and a collaborative effort featuring the spectacular Free Voices of Praise Choir led by Darren Ross. An album that everyone should have in their collection.

reviews

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  • author: Sharon L. Fuller

    This is a wonderful collective of songs that celebrate the overall culture of the Pan African descendants. James and Rosamund Johnson would be most happy if they could hear the 21st century sound of their composition of "Life Every Voice and Sing".

  • "The Kwanzaa Album"
    author: Kathy

    I looked everywhere for this CD. It arrived in a couple of days and was perfect!

  • I Loved The Women of the Calabash Kwanzaa Album!
    author: Karen C. From New Jersey

    I'm so glad I bought The Women of the Calabash Kwanzaa Album! The music is rich with African, African American and Caribbean flavors and traditions. The harmonies are beautiful and it's a nice medley of music for a Kwanzaa celebration.I can't wait to play it for my friends and family at Kwanzaa next weekend.

  • This is the essential Kwanzaa music collection
    author: R.C. Johnson

    This is the essential Kwanzaa music collection featuring original, traditional and historically signficant compositions. Such offerings provide the listening experience that captures the full flavor of Kwanzaa in song.

  • Wonderful!
    author: Stephanie

    Wonderful CD. These women capture Kwanzaa like no other CD out there.

  • GORGEOUS!! TALENTED!! WONDERFUL!!!
    author: Becky B.

    This is a very professional and impressive CD! I knew nothing about Kwanzaa, and ordered this album for a project in a college World Music class [because we were studying African music], and it is one of my favorite CDs now!! These women are very talented, their tone and blend is gorgeous, and I'm glad I happened upon them. Hooray!

  • This CD is one of the best Kwanzaa Album
    author: DeVora

    This Kwanzaa Album is one of the best because it take you to the motherland and then bring you back to America. You can feel the music in your heart.

  • cool one too
    author: Mohamed

    lovely cd , with lovely songs , it's feels good to have this cd

  • author: CD Baby

    Celebrating Kwanzaa, the non-religious holiday that honors African-American people and the richness of African heritage from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, this listening experience of womens' choir mixed with solo singing, if not a religious one, is most definitely a spiritual one. With gorgeous, passionate harmonies and messages of strength, hope, unity and determination, this is not only educational and inspiring for those new to the holiday but a great way for those who already do celebrate, to further embrace that special time.

  • Exquisite vocals. Plays like a journey through Africa.
    author: Maggie Aribe

    The sounds on this album make one feel like they have been transported to a different place. Feels like there should be a movie to go along with this musical journey. One would be hard presed to find more beautiful vocals anywhere.

  • Right on target...a must for the African American
    author: CDUBB

    INSPIRATIONAL and full of substance for the soul

  • Educational and inspiring.
    author: Tamara Turner, CD Baby

    Celebrating Kwanzaa, the non-religious holiday that honors African-American people and the richness of African heritage from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1, this listening experience of womens' choir mixed with solo singing, if not a religious one, is most definitely a spiritual one. With gorgeous, passionate harmonies and messages of strength, hope, unity and determination, this is not only educational and inspiring for those new to the holiday but a great way for those who already do celebrate, to further embrace that special time.

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