The Whole Music Experience

poster from http://www.thionediop.com Spirit of West Africa Seattle Center Seattle, Washington August 18, 2007 I had one of those weeks where everywhere I turned I ran into some kind of roadblock--from my professional life to my personal one. So by the time the weekend rolled around, I was prepared to witness some first-rate West African music. I headed to the Spirit of West Africa event held at Seattle Center. When I first arrived, the Center House seemed sparse of African music aficionadas and a few tourists were milling about. By the time, Guinean griot Prince Diabatè hit the stage and his cora vibrated throughout the cavernous space, onlookers crept up to get a closer look. Eventually members of Seattle's West African community, and African music aficionadas began filling the seats, and they were very much aware of the fact that they were in the midst of an international performer, associated with the Malian legend, Salif Keita, (who produced one of Diabatè's a...

The Elders Speak (Spoken Words) Gourd Woman & Eagle Heart *** My Relatives Say (Spoken Word) Mary Louise Defender Wilson (Gourd Woman) Makoche This review is from Cranky Crow Whole Music Native Americans as well as, traditional storytellers call their stories teachings. These teachings are for people of all ages. Children who are learning the ways of the world, learn to be courteous, respect their elders and help their parents. They learn how to be honorable people in their community. Adults that listen to these stories, relearn childhood lessons or glean new wisdom to help them master their spiritual and material lives. A talented storyteller will create new worlds for their listeners to enter and to experience. The storytelling experience is light-years away from any program that appears on television. A listener must create their own images and take to heart the lessons presented in the stories. It is interactive. While there are numerous talented Native American storytel...