PUTUMAYO PRESENTS
"CAPE VERDE"
PUTUMAYO WORLD MUSIC
First, a little history lesson for all of us who may have heard about Cape Verde, but really have no idea of why we should know it. In 1975, after a long series of strikes and civil unrest, Cape Verde declared independence from Portugal. This relatively new independent nation suffered from a series of crippling droughts and famines through time; 1754, 1764, 1790, 1830, where fully 42% of the populations died, 1843, 1853, 1854, where 25% of the population perished, 1863, 1900 – 03, 1946 – 48, and in 1959 – 60, for the first time, drought struck and there were no fatalities, for the government finally got it together enough to save the people!
The above is important to note, for as each of the droughts and famines occurred, there were waves of immigration to the United States from Cape Verde. The center for much of the immigrations lay within 80 miles of this area. Throughout Rhode Island, the New Bedford area, and into Connecticut, Cape Verdeans made their way to freedom and safety. Their rich culture is clearly part of this area’s mosaic. Imagine the backdrop of slavery, colonization, routine famines, droughts, economic insecurity; then listen to this disk. Redemption! A chorus of joy in each song! This is not the music of the dead, but of the celebration of the living. Pick anyone of the twelve songs and you’ll hear inspirational music. Not religious, overt, make you come out of your skin stuff; but very resonant, deep songs about life, a way to overcome circumstance and to enjoy the life you have.
The influences on the Cape Verde islands come from a melange of sources; Brazil, Portugal and Africa. Christopher Columbus stopped off here for salt in the 1400’s for voyages across the ocean. The islands are a collection of spots where the climate and soil conspire to produce only about 20% of what the population requires to exist. The remainder must be imported. In this type of circumstance, a people become reed like in resolve. The sway comes and in return… glory, pure glory. In my years, the Cape Verdeans who have crossed my path have been some of the most joyful, and introspective people to meet and befriend. This comes through in the music. Putumayo World Music, through their selection of artists has captured this dualistic feeling of life. Enjoy still another wonderful selection from those folks at Putumayo.
- SABA
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