#147: Program #147

New Sounds | May 24, 2010

On this October 28, 1988 edition of New Sounds, John spotlights the traditional piece of Shona mbira music "Nhemamusasa" or "Cutting Branches for a Temporary Shelter," as heard on the classic, 1970s Nonesuch Explorer series disc. Originally recorded in Zimbabwe (formerly Rhodesia) using two mbira (thumb pianos) and one rattle, this recording inspired many Western musicians to craft their own arrangements of this charming, beautiful song. Here we feature variants by Glen Velez, Kevin Volans, and the Penguin Café Orchestra.

PROGRAM #147: "Cutting Branches" (Original Broadcast Date: 10/23/88)

ARTIST(S)	RECORDING	CUT(S)	SOURCE
	Africa: Shona Mbira Music	"Nhemamusasa" (instrumental) {2:30}	Nonesuch Explorer #H-72077 LP. Rereleased on CD as "Zimbabwe: Shona Mbira Music"; Nonesuch #79710 www.nonesuch.com
Penguin Cafe Orchestra	Penguin Cafe Orchestra	"Cutting Branches for a Temporary Shelter" {2:30}	EG #EGM-113. Most PCO albums are on the EG label and are available online: www.penguincafe.com
Glen Velez	Seven Heaven	"Sweet Season" {5:00}	CMP #30. www.glenvelez.com
Kevin Volans	private tape	"Mbira I" {8:30}	Not commercially available.
	Africa: Shona Mbira Music	"Nhemamusasa" (vocal) {3:00}	See above.
Bob Siebert	6 Lyric Pieces	"Inside the Music Box" {3:00}	Aerial #482. Rereleased in 2002 as "Pieces of the Trans-World Suite" www.dandemutande.com
Kevin Volans	White Man Sleeps	Kronos Quartet: "White Man Sleeps, Pt. #1" {4:30}	Nonesuch 79163 www.nonesuch.com Or Amazon.com*
Kevin Volans	private tape	"White Man Sleeps, original version" (excerpt)	Not commercially available.
Toumani Diabate	Kaira	"Alla L'aa Ke"	Hannibal #1338. Available at Amazon.com*

*, ** Find the recordings you've heard - go to the New Sounds Recordings Information page

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