Disappointed Mom | Southern California | 06/21/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"From the moment I wrestled this CD from its plastic wrapper, it became one of my favorites. I pop it in whenever I need instant energy. You absolutely cannot sit still when this is playing. It is fabulous. I originally purchased it to use as background music for a backyard luau, but now I exercise to it, do housework to it, etc. There are some songs on the CD (singers accompanied by guitars and other musical instruments), but it is mainly comprised of drumming. Very Polynesia! Very provocative! If you've ever been to a luau and been captivated by its live entertainment, this CD is for you! Bring those tribal beats into your home today!"
TAHITI RULEZ!
SuZ | hAwAii | 06/14/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THIS CD IS GREAT! ITS VERY EFFICENT BECAUSE I AM A TAHITIAN DANCER AND I FIND IT VERY HARD TO FIND DRUM BEATS TO DANCE WITH..."
Some native, some bar music
Brian | Orlando, FL USA | 08/25/2000
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Been to Tahiti & listened to dozens of Tahitian CDs. The drumming is great. Some of the recording seems to have all but lost the left channel. Tracks 16-17 are a jazz band, I guess one would call them? -- reminds me of 1950's Hawaiian jug band music. There's also some flute. A nice variety, but not universally the very best performances nor recording."
O te alofa!
sfea3 | Sunnyvale, CA USA | 06/15/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"As a Pacific Islander, nothing gives me more pleasure and heartache than listening to the sounds of my former island home. The drums of "fetia oe" vivdly brought back memories of long lazy days spent in the island sun. The rythmic beats had me dancing the O'te a!As with all cds, it was needlessly filled with some fluff, but still a must have for a Pacific Islander or lover of island culture."
Rescued from the archives
DrumandDrummer | Annapolis, MD | 12/05/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I happen to have the original 1956 vinyl recording of this album (33 1/3 rpm, for all you youngsters) -- every track is intact, handed down from my parents. I listened to this frequently as a young boy and was mesmerized by the drums and the drum leader's call announcements to each song. The Tahitian songs conjure seaside hula and mai tais in simpler times. This is truly a tribute recording by Gaston Guilbert to mid-century island culture which in itself stretches back decades or more but with luck will endure always."