Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou

Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou Review

This set of songs, collected by an ethnomusicologist, is simply fantastic. You get exposure to a wide range of styles, from polished studio recordings to field recordings. The fact that the woman who collected these is an ethnomusicologist adds value, as the liner notes are very informative, and this set gives us a feeling for the range of musical contexts as well as styles in Haitian music. For lovers of Caribbean music in general, this disc is worth your time.

Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou Overview

Features recent innovations and traditional roots of this potent music. Cuts from live Vodou ceremonies are juxtaposed with performances by well-known Haitian artists, such as Boukman Experyans, RaRa Machine, Boukan Ginen and RAM. A cascade of sounds—Haitian Kreyol, the blowing of a conch shell, powerful drumming, electric guitar, synthesizers, sounds of clay pots, bells, and gourd rattles—build compelling rhythmic cross-currents. Enclosed notes examine the music’s political and spiritual base. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this recording go to benefit Haitian grassroots community projects. 20 tracks. "The music has an indomitable spirit." –New York Times

Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou Specifications

When someone is struck with a truly great notion, like this record's concept, you feel grateful, and at the same time you wonder why no one thought of it before. This disc is clearly made from a near-sacred mission to redeem Haiti and its vodou culture. During slavery days, Jacob Boukman, who was shipped from Jamaica to Haiti, created vodou out of the elements common to the slaves' various tribal origins. Vodou's potpourri of spirit, rhythm, and melody is, indeed, every bit as rapturous as its ideal of human community. Lolo Beabrun, lead singer of Boukman Eksperyans (who turn in two tracks here) has said that so many vodou rhythms are played in tiny villages secreted in Haiti's mountainous interior that they are unknown to outsiders, and they are indistinguishable from their African origins. Rapture covers this infinite world of Haitian-African rhythm, ranging from the determinedly rootsy to those who take vodou drumming as a base and cut loose, making free with elements of jazz, rock, reggae, and Latin music. Fans will recognize names like Boukman and Rara Machine, but they are by no means the only standouts. "Simbi Dlo," by Frisner Augustin and La Troupe, is just one of many luminous tracks by lesser-known artists in a collection that is clearly guided by spirit. An added reason to buy this CD: a portion of the profits goes to Haitian grassroots community projects. --Elena Oumano

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