VOICES OF HAITI (Recorded by Maya Deren) Elektra EKLP-5 (10-inch mono) 1953

 


















(Russian-born) American Experimental film pioneer and Voudoun practitioner Maya Deren was born 95 years ago today. She died in 1961, aged 44, leaving behind a small but highly influential collection of films and this record.
 
Excerpted notes from the cover (enclosed):

The belief that the proper performance of a sacred formula of symbols or sounds is the means by which man achieves contact with divine powers is a basic principle not only of Voudoun, but of every religion. Such formulae were known as mantras in ancient Sanskrit, and this is still the term for all such ritual action, whether the chants of the Muslim muezzin or the saying of the Catholic rosary. The use of mantras is as ancient and as universal as man's desire to improve his condition and secure his destiny. It is as prevailing as the proud conviction of each man that his weaknesses and inadequaceis are, by and large, common to all men and that, consequently, the power which is sufficiently superior to sustain and fortify him is one which is superior to man altogether.
In times of need a man may seek to enlist such assistance by magic means.
(...) If the songs and drumming achieve the compelling power which I believe is represented in this album it is because the microphone, lashed to the center post of the ceremonial peristyle, has captured a record not of men and women at play, not of their relaxed spontaneities, nor of their effort to create an art work for other men or for the satisfaction of any employer. It is a record of labor, of the most serious and vital effort which a Haitian makes, for he is here laboring for divine reward, addressing himself not to men but to divinity. They are singing for the gods. It is a privilege to have overheard and to have recorded it.
-Maya Deren

Voices Of Haiti (recorded by Maya Deren)
Elektra EKLP-5 (10-inch mono) 1953

side one:

a1- Creole O Voudoun  (yanvalou) 5:02
a2- Ayizan Marche  (zepaules) 3:23
a3- Signaleagwe Orroyo  (yanvalou) 3:37
a4- Zulie Banda  (banda) 3:09
a5- Ibo Lele  (ibo) 1:16

side two:

b1- Ghede Nimbo  (mahi) 4:39
b2- Nogo Jaco Colocoto  (nago crabino) 2:50
b3- Miro Miba  (congo) 2:59
b4- Po' Drapeaux  (petro mazonnei) 5:49

Recorded during ceremonials near
Croix Des Missions and Petionville
in Haiti by Maya Deren

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Men in Harmonites

Harmonites International Steel Orchestra - Men in Harmonites

LP released in 1981

There are many steelbands but few like Harmonites Steel International.
Harmonites Steel International has catapulted to the summit of Antigua's music. Although the Band has acquired such heights, it is ever-changing; ever-seeking new ways to develop its craft. Versatility is the key to the Orchestra's continued success; today's functions demand dedication. The ease with which the Orchestra switches from the Golden Oldies to a Reggae or a Calypso, the strains of a Viennese Waltz to the top ten speaks for itself.
The Harmonites Steel International presents its second album with a difference. We would like you to sit back and enjoy real pan music. (from the liner notes)

Harmonites International Steel Orchestra recorded a few albums including this one which is supposedly famous according to the Antigua Carnival site. This LP was produced and pressed in Jamaica according to a small sticker on the back cover. This accounts for the music being drenched in echo and a few tracks have electronic bleeps that weave in and out of the mix. The first track is the only original tune which was written by leader at the time Fitzroy (Champ) Martin. The rest are renditions of classical music, other reggae tunes and the famous piano rag "The Entertainer". This particular steel orchestra was founded in the late 1960s and it still exists to this day.



Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Men in Harmonites {4:28}

2. Air on a G String {4:33}

3. Always in My Heart {5:58}

4. Disco Dumplin {3:06}

Side Two

1. Blue Danube Waltz {6:42}

2. Stars and Stripes Forever {3:43}

3. The Entertainer {3:46}

4. Frenzy {4:56}

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