African Tribal Dances

various artists compilation - African Tribal Dances

released on LP

From the liner notes:

"The greatest free show on earth!" These words were used by an overseas visitor to Africa to describe the African Tribal Dances heard on this hi-fi recording made on the Witwatersrand. Every Sunday morning various mines take the turn in presenting to the public, visitors in particular, a cross section of the dancing of the tribes employed on the mines. These people come from many parts of Africa and use the dances as a form of exercise and a means of retaining their identity. The excitement is intense and it can certainly be described as the greatest free show on earth!

Technical notes:

These recordings were made with the camera in mind; the movement of sound in the recording follows the most likely camera requirements. To achieve this effect 6 Neumann microphones were suspended over the dance arena resulting in the best possible pick-up of the action taking place. This is a complete transistorised recording, a special 6 channel mixer being used in conjunction with a Nagra transistorised recording. The recordings were made by Alan D. Boyle and the recording lasting approximately 36 minutes was edited from 3 hours of tape to bring you the best sounds of each group participating.

Tracklisting:

Side 1

1.  Mzingili - untitled  {4:02}

2.  Nguni - untitled  {2:36}

3.  Bapedi - untitled  {1:59}

4.  Bakwenas (Bechuanas) - untitled  {1:59}

5.  Whistling Bechuanas (Balete) - untitled  {3:01}

6.  Hlubi - untitled  {3:09}

7.  Batswa (Shangaan from Nyambane) - untitled  {3:03}

Side 2

1.  Mchopi - untitled  {3:04}

2.  Amakway (Shangaan Choir) - untitled  {1:49}

3.  Amakwenkwe (Xhosa) - untitled  {2:04}

4.  Pondo - untitled  {2:27}

5.  Baca (Gumboot Dancers) - untitled  {3:11}

6.  Bacas Umzimkulu - untitled  {2:51}

7.  Barotse - untitled  {2:31}

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