Publications form an important part of Global Music Centre operations. In the early days of the organization, publishing was associated mainly with research on workers’ music, and publications were principally in the form of books and printed music. Since the 1990s, however, the focus has shifted to sound recordings. CDs are produced by the Global Music Centre from recordings made both in the field and in the Centre’s own studio.
Global Music Centre CDs include a unique collection of the music of the Fenno-Ugric and Samoyed peoples. Recording and studying this traditional music is a continuing function of the Global Music Centre.
New releases
Faso Kan - Tungaladen
Faso Kan performs lively, melodic music inspired by the rich musical tradition of West Africa. The album’s title track, Tungaladen, means ‘Adventurer’. However, in a changing world, not everyone goes on adventures voluntarily. Many must leave their home country in hope of a better life. The album’s title song describes the difficulties faced by an adventurer, and offers encouragement to keep one’s hope up, even in the most difficult moments. Life still has much to show us, and a positive surprise may be waiting around the corner.
Faso Kan (Sound of the Homeland) musicians are Issa Dembele: balafon, vocals, percussions; Adama Koné: kora, balafon, vocals, djembe; Issiaka Dembele: balafon, kamele ngoni, vocals, djembe; Mikko Veijonen: sax; Tomi Pekkola: guitar, djeli ngoni; Pothio Ndiaye: bass; Jaakko Arola: sax, bass clarinet, flute; Ossi Raippalinna: drums, percussions.
Jac Weinstein's Helsinki Yiddish Cabaret
A group of musicians from New York, Berlin and Helsinki performs Yiddish revue songs by Helsinki-born Jac Weinstein (1883-1976). The songs offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of Helsinki’s Jewish community. The repertoire includes operetta songs, ballads and couplets that portray Jewish life in a humorous way, including good times and bad.
Most of Weinstein’s songs were originally performed as part of Yiddish-language revues and musical plays in the 1920s and ‘30s, but songs from World War II to the early ‘60s are also included. Weinstein wrote his lyrics to popular tunes of the day as well as folk songs and klezmer melodies. New melodies have been written for some of the songs.
The musical director is New York clarinettist Michael Winograd, who also did the arrangements.