CD Review: The Garifuna Collective Releases 'Ayo'

The Garifuna Collective
Ayo
Stonetree/Cumbancha

With the release of Watina several years ago with the late-Andy Palacio, The Garifuna Collective took the world by storm with infectious grooves, South American rhythms, and Afro-Amerindian cultural influences. Thanks to Belizean producer, musician, and label founder, Ivan Duran, The Garifuna Collective is still a reality today. There are twelve tracks on the new album inspired by a new generation for the future. "Ayo," "Ubou," "Mongulu," "Dungua," "Pomona," and "Alagan" are especially enthralling. Though, anyone with an interest in Garifuna music, Afro-Amerindian music, Belizean music, and world music in general, will find Ayo to be a very emotive, upbeat, and graceful album. ~ 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