Critics around the world acknowledge Paranda as being one of the best albums to come out of Central America. And with good reason. This is an incredibly rich collection, with a depth and range that grows with each listen. From the haunting, bluesy exuberance of Paul Nabor's "Naguya Nei" to the fresh sounds of Aurelio Martinez's "Africa" and on to the primal urgency of Lugua Centeno's "Timbloru", Paranda takes the listener through the tapestry of feeling and soulful striving that lies at the heart of Garifuna culture.
Producers Ivan Duran and Gil Abarbanel brought together these remarkable artists and sparked the revival of Paranda music in the region.
Listed as one of the 100 essential Latin Recordings by Rough Guide books, Paranda is a rare gem.
Paranda is both a Garifuna rhythm and a genre of music. The basic rhythm can be heard in Garifuna traditional drumming styles that date all the way back to St. Vincent and West Africa. Paranda became a genre itself in the 19th century, shortly after the Garifuna arrived in Honduras. It was there where they first encountered Latin music, and incorperated the acoustic guitar and a touch of Latin and Spanish rythms into the music. Paranda reached its promenance in the early part of the 20th century and has changed little since. Its instrumentation is totally acoustic: Large wooden Garifuna drums (called Primero and Segunda), shakers, Scrapers, Turtle Shell percussion, and acoustic guitar.
credits
released April 20, 2000
Musicians
Lead Vocals: Junie Aranda, Paul Nabor, Jursino Cayetano, Aurelio Martinez, Lugua Centeno, Aurelio Martinez, Andy Palacio, Dale Guzman |
Garifuna Drums: Francis Mena, Justo Miranda, Mario Mc Donald, Simon Moreira, Lito "Bal T" Baltazar, Ivan Solano. Aurelio Martinez | Guitars: Junie Aranda, Paul Nabor, Aurelio Martinez, Ivan Duran, Jursino Cayetano, Dale Guzman | Back Vocals: Lugua Centeno, Just Miranda, Aurelio Matinez, Damiana Gutierrez, Bernadine Flores, Francis Mena, Mario Mc Donald | Sisira: Lugua Centeno, John Pitio, Andres "Largo" Casimiro, Aurelio Martinez Misc. Precussions: Lugua Centeno, John Pitio, Justo Miranda, Dale Davis, Aurelio Martinez, Gil Abarbanel, Andres "Largo" Casimiro
Production
- Produced by: Ivan Duran and Gil Abarbanel - Recorded and Mixed at Diamond Studios, Belize City; Bakadibush, Benque Viejo; and on location in the villages of Labuga and Hopkins by Gil Abarbanel - Assistant Engineer: Dale Davis - Mastered by: Zener Diode at Bakadibush/Belize - Liner Notes: Dan Rosenberg - Lyrics transcribed by: Andy Palacio - Art Direction and Photography: Joan Duran and Ivan Duran - Art Direction and Photography: Joan Duran and Ivan Duran - Album photography by: Joan Duran and Ivan Duran - Additional Photography: Katia Paradis and Dan Rosenberg - Graphic Design by Lorna Cané
Stonetree is a world-renowned record label that has been active in promoting Central America's unique musical styles and
encouraging the preservation of Belize's traditional music, including that of the Garifuna, Creole, Maya, and Mestizo cultures. But we're by no means just archivists. We support the ongoing development of new and unique musical styles, and foster experimentation and creativity....more
supported by 7 fans who also own “Paranda - Africa In Central America”
It's so hard to choose a favorite song- the whole album is such a jam! This CD lives in my car CD player, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm even picking up some Garifuna, reading the lyrics and listening to the songs constantly. katcatalano
supported by 7 fans who also own “Paranda - Africa In Central America”
Beautiful songs of sorrow and hope from the descends of african slaves that have become the Garifuna people out of the old sugar colonies. It is caribbean and then its not. More melancholy and more non-friendly but in a good way.
Citoyen Jensen