Search - Michael Spiro, Mark Lamson :: Bata Ketu

Great Music. Odd Credits. Be Forewarned.

Jabari Adisa | Chicago, IL United States | 07/25/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I should plainly state that the music on this CD is phenomenal! An interesting mix of "folkloric" and "popular" music that inspires movement and smiles and all around 'upful' vibes. Not all of the songs are listed, however. There's part of a song to Oxumare in there that doesn't get credited. My biggest complaint with the CD, however, isn't with the contents, but with who gets credit for it. Michael Spiro and Mark Lamson are credited as the 'composers' but these songs and styles existed long before Spiro and Lamson were even a gleam in their respective father's eyes. Listen to any other Yoruba music and you'll find the same fundamental rhythms and chants. Jorge Alabe and Bobi Cespedes are the cultural beacons here and it seems they - if anyone - would be credited on the cd cover. The fact that Spiro and Lamson plaster their faces on the label side of the CD itself (when they were, ostensibly the financiers of the project and, most assuredly, background musicians) indicates a severe level of cultural arrogance and Eurocentric insensitivity. Yes, it's a great CD, I just can't understand why two white guys get the credit for this African creativity. It would have been a grand gesture had they willingly taken the back seat and allowed the cultural context to speak for itself. Instead, they chose to amplify their limited input to god-like status. Things that make you go hmmm.... I'd give it a '5' if I didn't have misgivings about Spiro and Lamson's motives here."

Dance! Celebrate! Praise the Orisa!

Olori Oriyomi | ALL OVER DA WORLD! | 06/29/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"When you walk in my home during bembe, ceremony or festival this CD is playing. When I am doing my house work or just relaxing this CD is playing. We that love Orisa ...will love this CD! Orisa children all over the world will love the inter-multi-percussion grooves and rhythms! Olodumare's children praising TOGETHER... In Brazil, ,In Cuba, In Africa, In the Caribbean and In the United States. How soon we forget 9-11 Brothers and Sisters. Its time to focus on what this CD has done in honor of the Human Family!Delight in Obatala / Osun / Sango creativity energy!Celebrate Orisa in spirit and in Truth. FOLKz this CD is the Bomb!"

A 'must'

WorldDiscoveries.Net | Petaluma, California | 11/18/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"BATA KETU took the Yoruba-based religious music of Cuba and blended in the Afro-based religious music of Brazil to produce a re-meeting of the two cultures separated at birth.

BATA KETU is the achievement of years of experimentation with Orisha music and Afro-Cuban sound, and is a 'must' for any drum or Cuban collection."