These fishermen are crazzzzy more beastly than the postal workers. Just watch them rowing that boat against the tide. Whereas the postal workers had a steady beat the whole time, these workers in Ghana steadily increase the tempo as they dance the boat ashore. These work songs exhibit very complex rhythms and several diverse musical materials. They even have a drum in the boat!
This is a small group of African percussionist singing in unison. The group sings in a narrow range and is comprised of male voices. They have an assortment of instruments including clappers, shakers and drums. While the majority of drums are single membrane, meaning they have only one drum head, there is at least one drum that is duel membrane, resembling a bass drum.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jSf3iHVyoU
This short clip show several Native American dancers at a Powwow. They are wearing highly ornamented costumes and move to the hard pulse of the drumming. There appears to be some form of shakers or bells attached to the costumes that accent the movement of the dancers.
That fisherman video was really interesting. I feel so rhythmically challenged when I listen to African rhythms, but find them impressive and intriguing.
ReplyDeleteThree really interesting postings, Amy. That first video (the fisherman) is done by Pete Seeger and his (i think) grandson Toshi. Ever heard of them? Pete Seeger is a very old, very famous American folk singer--he's the one that sang "This Land is Your Land" at the concert the night before President Obama's inauguration--had our entire house in tears.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Morocco posting is interesting because I expected the music to be more Arab-type, since it was from Morocco, but you happened, apparently, upon one of the only Sub-Saharan-style group from further North. Cool!