Larry Darnell - I'Ll Get Along Somehow: 1949-1957 - COMPACT DISCS [CD]

The music of Yemen has evolved in a different manner than that of other Arab countries it is predominantly vocal, and it does not use the maqam modal system. Religious restrictions limit the use of musical instruments, but the Yemenite oud (a type of lute or lyre) is the basis for a distinctive prepertoire, with evidence of it's use tracing back to ancient texts. Playing of the oud may be supported by the gasaba (flute), mizmar (clarinet), and drums. Of note on this recording is an excerpt of music from a Yemenite Zafat, or wedding. A Zafat is the most accessible public ceremony in Yemen, and the music becomes the soundtrack to a street procession of the groom and his guests to the wedding house. Although the processional music (a responsorial song) normally lasts about an hour, this example reproduces only the concluding section with common Yemenite traditional melodies. For more on the relationship between the songs and customs, see the liner notes.

Lonnie Johnson - Folkways Years [COMPACT DISCS] date 07/13/1992

A rare in concert performance from the ever popular Leadbelly. Discovered in prison in the 1930's, Huddie Leadbetter had a song repertoire of vast proportions although he had done no commercial recording. Amongst the songs that he introduced were InchGoodnight IreneInch and InchRock Island LineInch which went on to form the foundation of the skiffle movement of the 50's when revived by Lonnie Donegan. This recording was made at the University Of Texas during June Of 1949.