Does anyone know anything about Pennywhistle Jive from South Africa and from the Carribean? All I can think of is some great whistle playing on Harry Belafonte’s Calypso records.
What are the must-have records and magazine articles? Who are the great artists of the genre? What keys do they play in? Anyone you know trying this stuff?
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{{ WHISTLE ON AND ON }}
[ This Message was edited by: ELLIOTT on 2002-12-07 15:10 ]
Check the archives under Kwela as well as pennywhistle jive.
Most of the discussion there is about Kwela revival—it was a vey popular style in Sth Africa in the 50’s. Often three whistlers would lay down a harmony track and a soloist would improvise over that—a bit like pennywhistle doowop. Most records recommended there are by modern artists recreating the style (or something a bit like it) rather than the original thing. A name to look out for is West Nkosi but there are loads of others. Check out the ‘Rough Guide to World Music’ for more info. This was probably the most popular style of pennywhistle music there ever has been but until we find more reissue CDs of it there isn’t much to discuss on this board—ironical isn’t it?
Check out:
http://www.btinternet.com/~adam.keelan/
I am a very major fan of the Positively Testcard. 5 white dudes from England who play some of the most amazing Kwela imaginable. Buy their CDs-- you won’t regret it. The highlight, of course, is the virtuoso whistle playing of Dave Woodhead, but all of the band is terrific. If it is possible to wear out a CD, this is the one that you will wear out!
E,
Oddly enough, I just had 5 CD’s of pennywhistle music arrive in a bubble pack from South Africa yesterday (the day of your post). I only ordered them on November 20. I have heard a few mp3 snips from Donald Kachamba, and I find that the CD from Spokes Mashiyane titled King Kwela is the truest to the original form of music (he was one of the original players and this CD is does not have a Modern sound to it, very refreshing). It is very simple: acoustic instruments backing the pennywhistle.
The newer, better produced music is enjoyable as well, performed by the second generation of players. On the 6 Faces of Dr. Kwela, the three pennywhistles (Honers) have all the nickle plate worn off. I wonder if they are the originals.
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/archive/whistle/70/54143457074573.html
http://chiffboard.mati.ca/viewtopic.php?topic=6283&forum=1
those links to old threads should be decent starts.
Hey! This is terrific! Thanks, posters.
Any information on Calypso and other Carribean whistlers? Belafonte got it from SOMEWHERE.
Any jazz whistle, other than Billy Novick’s two albums?
[ This Message was edited by: Elliott on 2002-12-12 13:37 ]
Thanks, MarkJ. I’ve just ordered two CDs from South Africa. Can’t wait!
Are there any recordings from the '50s? (Perhaps on Rounder?)