Spirits Of Life

Information This album was recorded by Soul Jazz Records in Port au Prince, Haiti and features the music and songs of Vodou (or Voodoo), the African –derived religion that slaves brought to the country. The music has an intensity that reflects the history and isolation of Haiti from the outside world. Heavyweight drumming accompanies the vocals of the priest and choir of the Societe Absolument Guinin. With it’s roots in West Africa, Vodou also has links with the music of Cuba, Brasil, Jamaica and New Orleans (where many Haitian slaves went after the Haitian Slave Revolution – the only succesful slave revolt in the West which led to the first Black Republic). In New Orleans the religion took hold and musically influenced many New Orleans musicians such as Doctor John and Professor Longhair. Haitian Vodou has strong roots and continues to thrive today. The religion was illegal for many years and consequently continues to hold an element of secrecy. As well as Haiti, Vodou is now also widely practised in New York and Miami by the many Haitians who have emigrated to USA from the continual troubles of the poorest country in the West. For more info on Haiti visit the Haiti Support Group website: www.haitisupport.gn.apc.org Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.