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Written in fRoots issue 286, 2007
 

VARIOUS
The Alan Lomax Collection – Ibiza & Formentera
Rounder CD 11661-1770-2 (2006)

Pre hippy and subsequent clubber invasions, on his 1952 field trip to these two small Balearic islands Lomax concentrated on rural traditional singing, particularly that featuring the Pityusic islands’ distinctive ululating, jaw-quivering redoblat ornamentation, plus some dance music on one-handed whistle and tambor and on xeremies (small reed pipe). Another valuable time-capsule from a nearly-vanished culture.


VARIOUS
Folk Mediterrani – Illes Balears
Discmedi Blau CD 415 (2005)

Hugely different from the above in sound and musical forms is this sampler from Mallorcan label Blau. Probably tourist-targeted, reprehensibly lacking in explanatory info, but it does give a useful flavour of the sounds of today’s studio-recording folk ensembles, mainly from Mallorca and Menorca, with occasional nuggets of characterful singing and playing.


© 2007 Andrew Cronshaw
 

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