This is a series of important recordings from Africa, recorded by pioneering musical explorer Hugh Tracey in the 1950s and 1960s. These recordings (some monaural, some stereo) were made on location by Tracey, one of the first Europeans to really delve deeply into the local music of central and southern Africa.
We will have more information and some music from each individual title soon.
There are reviews and some sound samples on RootsWorld
Bulawayo Jazz - 1950, '51, '52 - Hugh Tracey recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-032)
The record label says: In no book of the history of jazz will you find any mention, let alone a chapter, about an exciting style of jazz developed in Africa in the early 1950s - in Bulawayo to be precise, economic heart of then Southern Rhodesia now Zimbabwe and gateway to and from South Africa. This is a grand omission. Here, finally, is the evidence. The dominant figure in the Bulawayo scene was August Musarurwa.
Colonial Dance Bands - 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-031)
The record label says: This album presents a variety of African bands playing dance music during the colonial period. Recorded in the British colonies of Kenya, Tanganyika and Northern Rhodesia, Portuguese East Africa, and Belgian Congo. Some bands were professional outfits playing to Europeans, mostly in hotels, others were enthusiastic amateurs. Each and every one was a pioneer in their way, and deserve tremendous respect for that alone.
Kenyan Songs and Strings - 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-030)
The record label says: The selection of music here is comprised of a capella choirs and songs accompanied by string instruments. Except for two guitar tracks and one oud track, the string instruments are all lyres - chepkongo, kipukandet, thum, litungu. The strummed lyres sound very guitar-like, at times positively post-punk, and then the wonderful buzzing bass sound of the plucked thum, with strings made of cow tendons. And an array of beautiful traditional vocal styles.
The Legendary... (Hugh Tracey Recordings) - George Sibanda
$17.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-026)
From Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, he was in effect sub-saharan Africa's first music star, discovered by Hugh Tracey in 1948. A legendary figure, with exceptional guitar-picking coupled with his generous voice and happy-go-lucky songs.
Forgotten Guitars from Mozambique - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-025)
Brilliant acoustic guitar music recorded in 1955, 56 and 57 in Portuguese East Africa includes Feliciano Gomes, Aurelio Kowano and others
Tanzania Vocals: Tanganyika 1950 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-023)
A capella performances include more than 600 Chagga men and women chanting on the southern slopes of Mt. Meru, praise songs by the Gogo, humorous songs by the Nyamwezi, lyrical wigasha dance songs by the Sukuma near, and Maasai chanting.
Secular Music from Uganda -1950 -52 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-024)
This CD features music by the people for the people, for their own enjoyment - secular, worldly music free of any court constraints. Likembes, harps, horn ensembles, flutes, etc. Become a convert to the lyrics of the opening track: 'All things in nature love each other, The lips love the teeth, The beard loves the chin, And all the little ants go br-r-r-r together!'
At The Court of the Mwami, Rwanda 1952 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-007)
Tutsi, Twa and Hutu music
Royal Court Music Of Uganda, 1950 and 1952 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-008)
Music from rituals used to praise and support the kings of the Ganda, Nyora and Ankole people of Uganda
On The Edge of The Ituri Forest, 1952 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-009)
Mbuti pygmy singing; Mudumbu and Nande music for the likembe (thumb piano), Budu horns and drummers; and Mbuti pipers performing an unusual hocketed melody
Kalimba and Kalimbu Songs of N. Rhodesia - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-010)
Features the music of what is now modern Zambia and focuses on specific types of instruments.
Kanyok and Luba; So. Belgian Congo 1952 and 1957 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-011)
A musical portrait of the lesser known Kanyok people, their various direct and indirect Luba neighbours of southern Congo and the urbanizing Katanga mine culture.
OTHER MUSICS FROM ZIMBABWE - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-012)
Mbira dza vaNdau, chipendani and chizambi mouth bows, the njari mbira, the mulanji flute, the matepe mbiras and drumming and panpipes
SOUTHERN and CENTRAL MALAWI and NYASALAN - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-013)
Music of the Mang'anja, Yao and Cewa peoples from the southern part of Malawi.Bangwe zither, tuned drum (likhuba) ensembles, xylophone and even a band of kazoos
NORTHERN and CENTRAL MALAWI/NYASALAND - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-014)
bangwe zither songs and malipenga kazoos, karigo lute, the kubu bow, the kalimba and a capella singing. Music from Tonga, Tumbuka and Cewa peoples
Origins of Guitar music in Congo and Northern Zambia, 1950-58 - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-015)
Forest Music (Northern Belgian Congo - 1952) - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-016)
Tswana and Sotho Voices - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-017)
Botswana, South Africa and Lesotho, 1951-59
The Nuguni Sound - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-020)
1955, 57, 58 recordings from South Africa and Swaziland
Portuguese East Africa: So. Mozambique - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-021)
Recordings made in 1943 through 1963
Tanganyika: Tanzanian Instruments - Hugh Tracey Recordings
$18.99
(cdRoots# st-tracey-022)
1950 recordings from Tanzania
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