CAPOEIRA ANGOLA FROM SALVADOR, BRAZIL
Capoeira
is an Afro-Brazilian form of
martial arts, a defense system deeply rooted in music and dance. It must be
seen to be understood. But this generous sampler of capoeira music does suggest
something of its stately grandeur and fierce beauty. There are 39
tracks on
this single disc, most mid-tempo polyrhythmic workouts for various percussion
instruments and unpolished chanting voices, some recorded in a studio (which
makes as much sense as recording chain-gang songs in one) and some in
electrifying live competition. Not easy listening, but involving for anyone who
cares to hear African rhythms transformed in the Americas.
-- Norman Weinstein
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