Music Of The Ituri Forest / Va Music Of The Ituri Forest / Va CD

Recorded in the 1950's by prominent cultural anthropologist Colin Turnbull, Music of the Ituri Forest is a study in the lives and traditions of the BaMbuti, a nomadic people from the Ituri Forest of northeastern Congo. In a society with no chiefs or councils, the BaMbuti share responsibilities, including those of music-making. Each individual in a group sings one or two notes that, in circulation, build into melodies and harmonies. Instruments such as the Likembe (thumb piano) accompany solo voice, while the mgungu gong (slit gong) helps ground mounting call-and-response choruses. Written by Turnbull, liner notes include descriptions of BaMbuti culture and the story behind each track.

1. Lukembi and Voice 2. Drinking Song 3. Board Zither 4. Religious Song 5. Mgongo Utule 6. Dance Music 7. Gong Signalling 8. Travelling Song 9. Flute Solo 10. Elephant Hunting Song 11. Musical Sticks - Circumcision Festival 12. Initiation Song - Circumcision Festival 13. Alima Song 14. Lusumba Song 15. Lusumba Song 16. Board Zither 17. Board Zither 18. Musical Bow 19. Lukembi and Voice 20. Guitar and Voice