Customer Reviews

Heiva I Tahiti: Festival of Life

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every July, singers, drummers and dancers from all of French Polynesia compete to be named 'the best'. This CD is a compilation of 2 years' competitions (1982 & 1986.)

I just returned from 2 weeks sailing French Polynesia, and have been buying CDs since I hit Papeete. This in one of the best (of the ~20 that I have heard.) There are a few dropouts and some clipping, but the miking and mixing are excellent. This is not one of those 'it must be poorly recorded to be authentic' recordings! Particularly pleasing are some of the polyphonic singing performances, which I've found on few recordings, yet are so traditional in the culture. There are a few rough performances, but most are quite polished.

This is a compilation of a huge contest in Tahiti held every year. So there is a lot of variety on this cd, from pure percussion with the traditional slit drums, to singing. In particular, the "Himene Tarava Tamarii Pirae" is exciting, a large group of traditional singers with a very wonderful sound. If you have ever been to the Polynesian islands and want to recall the amazing music, this is a pleasing collection--is there really anything like Polynesian chanting and singing? Phenomenal.

I like to throw dinner parties serving food from other cultures, creating ambience with native music, clothing, and decorations, and offering entertainment that is native to those cultures whether it be to learn a dance, play an instrument, speak a few words or phrases, play games, or make something (crafts), etc. I LOVE THIS CD! It feels like you are on the beach in Tahiti during a real outdoor celebration. You can feel the excitement of the people in the background, but it doesn't diminish the sound quality of the instrumentals as you would expect in a live recording. The instrumentals are loud and clear. It just sounds like a party and that you have a front row seat. It is the perfect accompaniment to your next backyard (or the office) Polynesian luau-type party.

Seller was fast and great and the cd was in good shape. Didn't care for the cd. Sounded like a Tahitian Jamming session. Kept losing the beat. Not my fav.