Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou

Various Artists - International - Caribbean & Cuba | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 22, 1995)
• Original Release Date: August 14, 1995
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Smithsonian Folkways
• ASIN: B000001DLP
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #147,305 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #44 in Music > Indie Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba
  • #54 in Music > World Music > Caribbean & Cuba > Haiti

Editorial Reviews

Features recent innovations and traditional roots of this potent music. Cuts from live Vodou ceremonies are juxtaposed with performances by well-known Haitian artists, such as Boukman Experyans, RaRa Machine, Boukan Ginen and RAM. A cascade of sounds—Haitian Kreyol, the blowing of a conch shell, powerful drumming, electric guitar, synthesizers, sounds of clay pots, bells, and gourd rattles—build compelling rhythmic cross-currents. Enclosed notes examine the music’s political and spiritual base. Portions of the proceeds from the sale of this recording go to benefit Haitian grassroots community projects. 20 tracks. "The music has an indomitable spirit." –New York Times

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Varied and Beautiful, July 14, 2000

By 

Matthew Sheppard (Washington, DC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou (Audio CD)

This set of songs, collected by an ethnomusicologist, is simply fantastic. You get exposure to a wide range of styles, from polished studio recordings to field recordings. The fact that the woman who collected these is an ethnomusicologist adds value, as the liner notes are very informative, and this set gives us a feeling for the range of musical contexts as well as styles in Haitian music. For lovers of Caribbean music in general, this disc is worth your time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, November 19, 2007

By 

Tom "Culture Teacher" (Cedar Rapids, Iowa) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou (Audio CD)

I love this CD! I work at a museum, and as we're gearing up for an exhibit on Hatian art, we're even sharing this with staff and volunteers to get them in the mood. Wonderful blend of "street" music and more formal pieces.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Haitian Vodou musics, August 26, 2008

By 

Michael A. Duvernois (Minneapolis, MN United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rhythms of Rapture: Sacred Musics of Haitian Vodou (Audio CD)

I'm going to have to come in on the side of this CD. It's an excellent selection of sacred music from some of the Haitian traditions. As long as we don't take it to be encyclopedic, there's no problem here. Some of the recordings are old, and all are set into their proper context by the notes.