GAMBIA National Ensemble of The Gambia – Traditional Music – Melodiya - S80 – 14951-54

THE GAMBIA

National Ensemble of The Gambia – Traditional Music – Melodiya - S80 – 14951-54, recorded in the former Soviet Union in 1976 (2 LPs)

The Soviet label Melodiya recorded the National Ensemble of The Gambia during their tour of the Soviet Union in 1976, and in 1980 released this excellent double album underscoring the richness of the Gambian musical heritage.

 

The music here is performed by griots—called jalis in Mandinka, gewel in Wolof and gawlo in Fula—masters and keepers of time-honored knowledge and artistry at the heart of the cultural identity of many Gambian and West African ethnic/cultural groups. These outstanding singers and virtuoso musicians, who played long-necked 21-string kora lutes, balaphons with wooden bars and calabash resonators and drums, were also storytellers and important transmitters of history, culture and tradition, who played a vital role in collective events such as ceremonies and marriages.

 

The 20 tracks on this precious double LP feature 12 different male and female lead singers with backing vocals, kora lutes, balaphons and drums to weave a sensual, majestic music that radiates fire, serenity and lofty dignity. This is the only recording of the National Ensemble that I know of.

 

Le label soviétique Melodiya enregistra l'Ensemble national de Gambie lors de leur tournée en Union soviétique en 1976 et en 1980 publia cet excellent double album présentant la richesse du patrimoine musical Gambien. 

 

Ces musiques sont interprétées par des griots – appelés jalis en mandingue, gewelen wolof et gawlo en peul – les maîtres et gardiens d'un savoir et d'un art ancestral au cœur de l'identité culturelle de nombreux groupes ethniques/culturels en Gambie et en Afrique de l'Ouest. Ces chanteurs et musiciens virtuoses, qui jouaient du luth cora à 21 cordes, du balafon et des tambours, fûrent également des conteurs et d'importants passeurs d'histoire, de culture et de tradition, qui jouaient un rôle essentiel dans les événements collectifs (cérémonies, mariages, etc.).

 

Les 20 titres sur ce précieux double album sont interprétés par 12 chanteurs et chanteuses différents, accompagnés de chœurs, de coras, de balafons et de tambours, qui tissent des sonorités sensuelles et majestueuses qui rayonnent de feu, de sérénité et de noble plénitude. Il s'agit du seul enregistrement du National Ensemble que je connaisse.

A1 – Segu Turu

Keni Soumamou, vocals;

 

A2 – Lammanon

Sukari Seko, vocals;

 

A3 – Traditional Chant I

Keni Kanteh, vocals;

B1 – Traditional Chant II

Bajamme Sekiliba, vocals;

 

B2 – Yamam Samalay

Kombeh M'Bai, vocals;

 

B3 – The Legend of Keva Sana

Baba Sousou, vocals;

 

B4 – Cheddo

Momoudu Sousou, kora harp & vocals;

 

C1 – Jau Joina

Maisan Mbaimbu, vocals;

 

C2 – Massane Sisse

Keba Sousou, vocals;

 

C3 – Song Kula Balong Kula

 

C4 – Traditional Song "Vahled Jenny Niuhes Al N'Diubai"

Ibrahim M'Bai Chao, vocals;

 

D1 – Bamba Boujang

Malamini Jovate, kora & vocals; 

 

D2 – African Unity

Banna Kanuteh, balafon & vocals;

 

D3 – Nyi Bara Nya

Keni Soumamou, vocals;

 

D4 – Galamba

Keni Kanteh, vocals;

 

D5 – Lammanon

Sukari Seko, vocals;

 

D6 – A Traditional Tune in the nature of vocalise;

 

D7 – Sesnala Deganala

Kombeh M'Bai, vocals;

 

D8 – Improvisations for Balafons I

Banna Kanuteh, balafon;

 

D9 – Improvisations for Balafons II

Banna Kanuteh, balafon.

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Our other Gambian music posts:

African Journey – A Search for the Roots of the Blues Volume 1 – Sonet SNTF 666 here

 

African Journey – A Search for the Roots of the Blues Volume 2  – Sonet SNTF 667 here

Vintage postcard of Jola drummers, The Gambia:

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