The Whole Music Experience

Music of the Nile Field Recordings by David Fanshawe Arc Music We need to travel back to 2003 for Music of the Nile when Arc Music released the field recordings of David Fanshawe (ethnomusicologist and composer) and even further for the actual field recordings which were produced from 1969 to 1975.   Then in the 1990s, Fanshawe composed the African Diaspora-European fusion chorale African Sanctus (which you can watch on YouTube).   The composer borrowed heavily from the field recordings produced along the Nile River as it snaked its way through Egypt, Sudan, Uganda, and Kenya.   And yes, Music of the Nile offers both a geography lesson and exploration of music traditions that went the way of the dinosaur. With nearly 80 minutes of diverse tracks ranging from wedding feasts music to lullabies, to fishing songs, as well as, affectionate songs praising camels in Sudan and cows in Kenya, it’s best to listen to this recording in two or more sittings.   Even though I

Blackfoot Confederacy Elders’ Vision Canyon Records Indigenous music falls under “purposeful music” so listening to the CD out of context (in my home), doesn't work for me.   For instance, I enjoy attending pow-wows, watching the dancers in their regalia dancing to the beat of pow-wow drums and passionate vocals, but listening to the music without the dancing and visuals doesn't work for me.   In addition, I'm a high-strung person who needs to relax so I prefer the Native American flute and softer recordings that closely fit my lifestyle.  (Note, I don't listen to rock music for the same reason). Having said all of that, I do support pow-wows.   I encourage the pride that Native Americans have for their traditions, culture, languages, and communities.   I admit as a non-Native I don’t get the nuances of tribal drumming and singing.  I wish that I did.   However, I feel moved by the beautiful sentiments to Native American elders and beloved members