Performers: Ladysmith Black Mambazo
Instrumentation: 10 men with one solo voice
Culture: It is a South African Zulu song.
This album was a particular favorite of mine growing up. My original intention was to use this song as a springboard, but as I was watching I found myself thinking a lot of various readings we've done. My first thought was to this week's reading. One of the ethnomusicologist issues Campbell discussed was the globalization of music. This album is a perfect example of this. Simon came to South Africa to record his album which gave many of the songs on the album an African sound. He collaborated with such artists as Ladysmith Black Mambazo, which gave more people and opportunity to experience their music and lead to their increased popularity.
If a group decided to perform this song, it would be an obvious piece for enactive listening. The style of the soloist and in some parts the background are very specific and not at all like our western classical ideas. There are many stylistic differences to listen for (my favorite was always the "he-ee-eh" percussive breathing sounds in the second half.)
Liz, I really like this selection that you picked! I definitely agree that this would be a great tool for enactive listening! It really helps you get a feel for the stylistic differences like you discussed!
ReplyDeleteLike we discussed in class, I feel like you could also use this recording as an engaged listening activity! Students could definitely the tap the pulse of the piece while they were listening to it. This would be a great teaching tool for sure!
I agree with Jake, it would be a great teaching tool to use in the classroom for many reasons. It is also enjoyable to listen to and easy to hear the "tune". It may be an interesting introduction into a world music curriculum, perhaps as something that is considered slightly more relatable. Students of many ages would enjoy listening to it, which makes it great for teaching world music, a subject that may not always interest every student.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy this because, as Kristen said, you can hear the "tune." It is very different from the kind of music we often hear, but you can find similarities in there as well. I was also thinking the same as Jake about the engaged listening. You could have the students tap the way they're tapping on their chests, and that would give it more of an authentic feel. It's also great that it is Paul Simon in collaboration with someone like this because it shows that music of other cultures can be incorporated into our society and retain their authenticity.
ReplyDeleteAs I mentioned to you, this is one of my favorite albums and songs on that album. I've never seen the video before and it adds such a dimension to the piece...
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