CD Review: Aurelio's 'Landini'

Aurelio
Landini
Real World

Garifuna singer and cultural ambassador, Aurelio Martinez, shares the music of Honduras through his Garifuna people for people everywhere. The music encompasses the traditions of Indian, African, and Caribbean roots, while English, French, and Spanish influences arrived later. Landini is an album of true authenticity devoted to Garifuna music about the life and culture of the region. The recording was actually recorded at Stonetree Records in Belize. The dozen tracks represent a musically-complex arrangement of songs that draw upon many different cultures and influences, which makes this recording a must-have. The mix of guitars, percussion, strings, and various intonations makes Landini a pivotal and recommended recording of a rare musical style. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Belize's Lebeha Boys' 'Lebeha Drumming'

Lebeha Boys
Lebeha Drumming
Self-Release

Belize is known for a traditional drum music tied to the Garifuna music traditions. These traditions bring together African, Caribbean, and South American Indian flavors to the music. This is mostly a drumming release with wood hand-drums, shakers, and background vocalizations. The rhythms are intense and punchy. There are eight tracks that feature a mix of turtle shells, primero drums, shakas, and segunda drums. The percussion accompaniments resemble a carnival-esque atmosphere with everyone having fun and enjoying the music-making process. This is a release by the Lebeha Drumming Center in Hopkins Village, Belize from 2005. All instruments and vocals are performed by Garifuna youth. These are the roots that gave the late-Andy Palacio worldwide fame. Fans of traditional drumming recordings will love this--especially fans of Babatunde Olatunji. Own a piece of musical history today! ~ Matthew Forss