Search - Baka Beyond :: Heart of the Forest

Exceptionally Interesting Field Recording

Barbara J. Chaplin | Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Canada | 03/06/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This cd is much more listenable and more interesting than you might expect from a bare description of what it is. Martin Craddick and his wife went to the home of the Baka pygmies in the rain forest of Cameroon, recorded their music, and then used that music as the inspiration for, and the backing tracks of, a fusion album called "Spirit of the Forest". This album, "Heart of the Forest", was later also released, and is the original field recordings.
OK, I grant that many people would probably never have even considered buying a cd of pygmy music, but it's actually a very interesting, enjoyable, soothing, melodic work. Cameroon is on the edge of Western Africa, and you can hear echoes here of the music of the Mande empire in the string instruments, of lazy palm-wine and high-life in the singing, and of Senegalese pop in the beat. The water drumming is uniquely its own.
Part of this cd's appeal comes from its status as a field recording. At times it reminds me of one of those 'ambient sounds' albums. We are listening to music recorded in an encampment in a rain forest, and so in addition to the tunes, we also hear animal sounds, insects, the wind, the laughter and chattering of children. I find this aspect both charming, especially the interplay between adults and children, and soothing.
I was a bit surprised after I bought it by how often I actually do listen to it. Yeah, it's different, but I do not hesitate to recommend it to others."

Been there

karstens | 11/17/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"i lived in cameroun, africa for four years as a child. when i listened to this cd, it all came back to me. it was special to hear the music of cameroun again. i like "heart of the forest" for one reason -- it's the original sound. this cd allows me to go back to a place and a culture that i love very much."

Still a favorite after 7 years

karstens | san francisco | 06/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"this cd is amazing, an all time favorite. the music of the baka pygmys is hypnotic, melodic, soothing, you've never heard anything quite like it. these are beautifuly done field recordings, the sounds of the musicians are crystal clear, and you can hear the other sounds of the forests (crickets, birds and animals) in the background, putting the music in it's proper setting - at times it sounds like the forest is accompanyiing the pygmies, or maybe vice versa?i've got a large record/cd collection, and i'm not afraid to point out faults in a cd if it has them (most do) but this one is perfect - i really couldn't recommend it highly enough, and i wouldn't say that about just any album..."