If you have never heard Baka Beyond before prepare for something of unique and unusual beauty; if you know Baka Beyond you will no doubt agree that their latest album Beyond The Forest is their best work yet. The haunting, mystical vocals on the album were recorded on a solar-powered 8-track machine in the middle of the Cameroon rainforest which has been inhabited by the Baka Pygmies, an ethnic group of hunter-gatherers, for thousands of years. At night time the Baka Pygmy women perform powerful ritual singing ("yelli") to ensure a successful hunt. Back in the UK, Baka Beyond leader Martin Cradick deconstructed the original interwoven vocal lines and replaced some voices with bass and acoustic guitar. The result is a stunningly beautiful, other-worldly album. As well as offering a rare glimpse into an exquisite disappearing musical culture, buying this album also directly supports the Baka who face various problems such as being disenfranchised from the forest. Beyond The Forest is out now. For more details, check out: www.baka.co.uk
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
If you have never heard Baka Beyond before prepare for something of unique and unusual beauty; if you know Baka Beyond you will no doubt agree that their latest album Beyond The Forest is their best work yet. The haunting, mystical vocals on the album were recorded on a solar-powered 8-track machine in the middle of the Cameroon rainforest which has been inhabited by the Baka Pygmies, an ethnic group of hunter-gatherers, for thousands of years. At night time the Baka Pygmy women perform powerful ritual singing ("yelli") to ensure a successful hunt. Back in the UK, Baka Beyond leader Martin Cradick deconstructed the original interwoven vocal lines and replaced some voices with bass and acoustic guitar. The result is a stunningly beautiful, other-worldly album. As well as offering a rare glimpse into an exquisite disappearing musical culture, buying this album also directly supports the Baka who face various problems such as being disenfranchised from the forest. Beyond The Forest is out now. For more details, check out: www.baka.co.uk
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7 comments:
I have never head of them before now. Was a little scared when I saw the album cover though don't know why. Will try and search for their music and listen to it.
gotta read this
amazing music! this is nature at its best.
ooh my God , when i heard of the album , i was blown away! i think every one need this album amongst their collection. Its fantastic all the way!
I agree, the cover is scary! I understand that the green symbolizes the forrest and nature, but something about it is frightening :~{
hmmm, i think its the colour on this blog. the real cover is not like that. besides it's just an elderly woman's face. they make great music!
You can sample the music here http://www.baka.co.uk/radio.htm
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