Saw a discussion here on South African music. I have a CD called "The Pennywhistle, The magical Instrument of Africa". It is great. I got it in South Africa and would love to get some more. It very funky more a mixture between Jazz, Fusion and Old Time American music. Fantastic
If U don't believe me look it up on google
Look up "Kwela" - that's a type of S. African music with whistles a lot .
They had international hits with it in the 50s and 60s - it's not that obscure to us oldies
I put in a discussion once as to whether anyone had ever tried to assemble a massed band of whistlers - this Kwela thing sounds as if that's been tried. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who can say more about this music, what instruments were played and by how many people, whatever. The info I've picked up on it to date has been tantalisingly limited.
I have a friend who is way into Kwela, I play it with him a bit. He often puts big bands together at festivals and other events and there's always a good few whistles (obviously!) but also your standard rhythm section (bass, guitar, drums) and usually a brass section. It's loads of fun and everyone takes solos and stuff...
South African whistle music
South African whistle music
Saw a discussion here on South African music. I have a CD called "The Pennywhistle, The magical Instrument of Africa". It is great. I got it in South Africa and would love to get some more. It very funky more a mixture between Jazz, Fusion and Old Time American music. Fantastic
If U don't believe me look it up on google
John
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by john gould
Re: South African whistle music
Look up "Kwela" - that's a type of S. African music with whistles a lot .
They had international hits with it in the 50s and 60s - it's not that obscure to us oldies
# Posted on September 24th 2006 by Bren
Re: South African whistle music
I put in a discussion once as to whether anyone had ever tried to assemble a massed band of whistlers - this Kwela thing sounds as if that's been tried. I'd be interested to hear from anyone who can say more about this music, what instruments were played and by how many people, whatever. The info I've picked up on it to date has been tantalisingly limited.
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by nicholas
Re: South African whistle music
I have a friend who is way into Kwela, I play it with him a bit. He often puts big bands together at festivals and other events and there's always a good few whistles (obviously!) but also your standard rhythm section (bass, guitar, drums) and usually a brass section. It's loads of fun and everyone takes solos and stuff...
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by sneetch
Re: South African whistle music
Here's a good pic of Kwela star Big Voice Jack: http://www.chiffandfipple.com/cftestcard/jack.jpg
"That's not a whistle. THIS is a whistle"
# Posted on September 25th 2006 by Bren