Africans In America [Box set, Limited Edition, Soundtrack]

Bernice Johnson Reagon | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 13, 1998)
• Original Release Date: October 13, 1998
• Number of Discs: 3
• Format: Box set, Limited Edition, Soundtrack
• Note on Boxed Sets: During shipping, discs in boxed sets occasionally become dislodged without damage. Please examine and play these discs. If you are not completely satisfied, we'll refund or replace your purchase.
• Label: Rykodisc
• ASIN: B00000C40H
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #65,404 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #18 in Music > Indie Music > Soundtracks > Television Soundtracks
  • #48 in Music > World Music > North America > Appalachian
  • #87 in Music > Country > Classic Country > Old-Time Country

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. Your Country

2. Gabriel's Balm

3. A Stór Mo Chrol (Brink of the White Rock)

4. Shabazz

5. Remember Me

6. Hambone

7. Middle Passage

8. Ballad Call and Response

9. Dialiya

10. Dónall Óg

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. Ship of Zion

2. Boll Fever

3. The Green Fields of America

4. Pulse

5. Nat Turner's Prayer

6. Run Mary Run

7. La D'Héricourt

8. Ballad of the Flying Cloud

9. Donney Got a Rambling Mind

10. Kneebone

See all 21 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The soundtrack to the six-hour PBS documentary Africans in America comes in two formats: this three-CD box set and a single-disc compendium. Largely composed and sung by Bernice Johnson Reagon, the soundtrack tells its own story of America's struggles, freedoms, and diversity--songs include spirituals, popular songs from America's early history, European folk tunes, and African vocal tracks. It can be an odd mix at times: the American Revolution tune "Brandywine Quick-Step" is followed by the multilayered, African-inspired a cappella composition "Mandiacapella." There are simply so many influences and intertwined histories, the sonic palette overflows with styles. It's overwhelming at times, but amid these 59 tracks are some gorgeous standouts. Who could resist the precious guitar solo of Toshi Reagon on "Steal Away," the simple instrumental joys of "Come unto Me," or the live congregation in progress found on "Run Mary Run"? --James Hendrickson

From the Label

Africans in America is the story of America, of the Africans and Europeans who created this nation even as they bitterly struggled over the meaning of freedom.

The award-winning film makers of WGBH, Boston knew only one person who could create a panoramic soundtrack for their four—part series —— singer, composer, historian and Sweet Honey In The Rock founder, Bernice Johnson Reagon.

Reagon´s soundtrack, which creates an historical framework with sound for the narratives spun by the filmmakers, is an emotional testament revealing the American, European, and African cultures caught within this very human drama.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Medely of Beautiful and Unique Pieces, July 6, 1999

By 

J. Turner (Rehoboth Beach, DE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Africans In America (Audio CD)

I bought this 3-cd set on a whim after seeing Bernice Johnson Reagon and Sweet Honey in the Rock in concert, and I was very impressed and happy when I got home and heard all the amazing music put together. With a balanced mixture of classical, American folk, gospel, blues, and African melodies, the music in this set evokes many moods, including spiritual, emotional, and joy. The pieces including Bernice R. Johnson's and her daughter Toshi's voices were the most impressive and moving. The slower pace of the first two CDs, which included more instrumental classical pieces, was the only thing keeping this set from being perfect. But this set is definitely worth the investment; I found many types of music I have never found elsewhere (or in such a collection) with such depth and quality.