Bring up the subject of Polynesian music to most Americans and they might mention Hawaiian slide-guitars and ukuleles, the hula or perhaps slack-key finger-picking. But Hawaii is a mere pin-spot within Oceania, a huge area consisting of more than of 25,000 islands that are in turn subdivided into regions known as Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. As well, there are the related native cultures of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Many of the traditions seem to share a passion for melody which is often expressed via exquisite close-harmony singing. The songs on this collection, while contemporary, bear out this reputation for fine vocals. But the selections are otherwise quite varied, ranging from Auckland New Zealand-based Whirimako Black's Sade-like delivery, to Gurejele's sun-drenched, almost South African-sounding vamps, to the glistening, multi-layered pop of Papua New Guinea's O-Shen. The enhanced CD features a video of Co Era So by OK! Ryos. --Christina Roden
Product Description
Blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique cultures, the islands of the South Pacific have long symbolized paradise on Earth to outsiders. Of course, life is more complicated than travel brochures and Gauguin paintings would lead one to believe. The people of the South Pacific, like elsewhere, struggle with the impact of modernization and are fighting to revitalize and redefine their traditions before they disappear.
Both Telek and O-shen come from Papua New Guinea, a tropical archipelago of dense rainforests and active volcanoes. Telek combines ancient Tolai traditions and contemporary Western music without compromising his native culture. O-shen, the son of American missionaries who was raised in a remote Papuan village, fuses traditional Pacific music with hip-hop and reggae.
OK! Ryos and Gurejele are leading figures in New Caledonia’s Kaneka movement, a unique music that blends local polyphonic singing styles and traditional rhythms of the Kanak culture with pop and world beat flavors.
Te Vaka, a New Zealand-based band with members from across Oceania, is creating a pan-Pacific pop music that incorporates elements from a variety of cultures into an appealing fusion. Fellow New Zealander Whirimako Black endeavors to bring Maori music, culture, and language to a broader audience.
Finally, from far-off Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, comes Matato’a. Their native language is now spoken by less than 3000 people and is blended here with an upbeat, cross-cultural mix of music.
This enhanced CD features an OK! Ryos music video filmed on the picturesque beaches of New Caledonia, as well as informative liner notes in English, Spanish, and French, striking Lonely Planet photographs and the recipe of a traditional South Pacific dish.
Putumayo Presents: South Pacific Islands,Various Artists,Putumayo World Music,Int'l & World Music,Pop,Regional Mexican
Average customer rating: 
|
Putumayo Presents: South Pacific Islands
Various Artists Manufacturer: Putumayo World Music ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD  General
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| Compilations
| International
| Styles
| Music
International
| Putumayo World Music Store
| Amazon.com Label Stores
| Stores
| Music
Similar Items:
ASIN: B00063MC0W Release Date: 2004-11-23 |
Tracks:
- Iuliana (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Mana Ma'Ohi (Rapa Nui/Easter Island) - Matato'a
- Sei Ma Le Losa (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Abebe (Papua New Guinea) - Telek
- Haloa Olohega (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Nengone Nodegu (New Caledonia) - OK! Ryos
- Whine Whakairo (New Zealand) - Whirimako Black
- Nukukehe (Tokelau/Samoa/New Zealand) - Te Vaka
- Siasi (Papua New Guinea) - O-Shen
- Co Era So (New Caledonia) - OK! Ryos
- Watolea (New Caledonia) - Gurejele
Amazon.com
Bring up the subject of Polynesian music to most Americans and they might mention Hawaiian slide-guitars and ukuleles, the hula or perhaps slack-key finger-picking. But Hawaii is a mere pin-spot within Oceania, a huge area consisting of more than of 25,000 islands that are in turn subdivided into regions known as Melanesia, Polynesia, and Micronesia. As well, there are the related native cultures of Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. Many of the traditions seem to share a passion for melody which is often expressed via exquisite close-harmony singing. The songs on this collection, while contemporary, bear out this reputation for fine vocals. But the selections are otherwise quite varied, ranging from Auckland New Zealand-based Whirimako Black's Sade-like delivery, to Gurejele's sun-drenched, almost South African-sounding vamps, to the glistening, multi-layered pop of Papua New Guinea's O-Shen. The enhanced CD features a video of Co Era So by OK! Ryos. --Christina RodenAlbum Description
Blessed with stunning natural beauty and unique cultures, the islands of the South Pacific have long symbolized paradise on Earth to outsiders. Of course, life is more complicated than travel brochures and Gauguin paintings would lead one to believe. The people of the South Pacific, like elsewhere, struggle with the impact of modernization and are fighting to revitalize and redefine their traditions before they disappear.Both Telek and O-shen come from Papua New Guinea, a tropical archipelago of dense rainforests and active volcanoes. Telek combines ancient Tolai traditions and contemporary Western music without compromising his native culture. O-shen, the son of American missionaries who was raised in a remote Papuan village, fuses traditional Pacific music with hip-hop and reggae.
OK! Ryos and Gurejele are leading figures in New Caledonia's Kaneka movement, a unique music that blends local polyphonic singing styles and traditional rhythms of the Kanak culture with pop and world beat flavors.
Te Vaka, a New Zealand-based band with members from across Oceania, is creating a pan-Pacific pop music that incorporates elements from a variety of cultures into an appealing fusion. Fellow New Zealander Whirimako Black endeavors to bring Maori music, culture, and language to a broader audience.
Finally, from far-off Rapa Nui, better known as Easter Island, comes Matato'a. Their native language is now spoken by less than 3000 people and is blended here with an upbeat, cross-cultural mix of music.
This enhanced CD features an OK! Ryos music video filmed on the picturesque beaches of New Caledonia, as well as informative liner notes in English, Spanish, and French, striking Lonely Planet photographs and the recipe of a traditional South Pacific dish.
Customer Reviews:
Does not disappoint!!!.......2007-06-07
Awesome treasure courtesy of putumayo.
Upbeat and unexpected..........2007-02-09
A musical mai tai.......2006-06-13
Highlights-
1)Mana Ma'Ohi-A group from Easter Island (Rapa Nui).Yes,there is more to this island than the giant heads that now adorn tiki rooms everywhere.
2)Sei Ma Le Losa-A song in honor of Greenpeace's founder.Very beautiful.
3)Siasi-A joyous love song.If you look in the liner notes,the lead singer is as easy on the eyes as he is on the ears.
4)Co era so-This has a music video.Wonderful.
5)Watolea-A rousing tune.
Drink this music down!
the best music to wake up to.......2005-05-06
Tropical paradise.......2005-04-21
Rock Music:
- Rhythm Tree
- Rough Guide to African Music for Children
- São Vicente
- Samedi Soir Sur La Terre [Import]
- Sarangi: Music of India
- Shaka Zulu
- Slack Key Guitar Volume 2
- Spain
- Specialist in All Styles
- Sufi Traveler
Recommended Music:
Sergei Prokofiev: Symphony No. 5/Lieutenant Kijé
Riding in Cars With Boys [Soundtrack]
O Encontro Do Homem Com a Natureza [Import]
Supergrass Is Ten: Best of 1994-2004 [Import]
Reger: Complete String Quartets [Box set]
Music of Uzbekistan: Field Recordings By Deben Bhattacarya [Import]