Throw Down Your Heart, African Music, Banjo

Video Link:
http://www.watch-movies.net.in/link/throw-down-your-heart-2008/

http://www.watch-movies.net.in/play_new.php?si=340693&s=2&tra_st=0&u=aHR0cCUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy56c2hhcmUubmV0JTJGdmlkZW9wbGF5ZXIlMkZwbGF5ZXIucGhwJTNGU0lEJTNEZGwwMDElMjZGSUQlM0Q2ODEyMzE5MCUyNkZOJTNEVGhyb3cuRG93bi5Zb3VyLkhlYXJ0LjIwMDguTGlNaVRFRC5EVkRSaXAuWHZpRC1MUEQuZmx2JTI2aWZyYW1ld2lkdGglM0Q2NDglMjZpZnJhbWVoZWlnaHQlM0Q0MTUlMjZ3aWR0aCUzRDY0MCUyNmhlaWdodCUzRDM3MCUyNkglM0Q2ODEyMzE5MDZlNGU0MmU0JTI2SVNMJTNEMQ==&host=zshare

My first blog. Did not know that I would kick off with African Music. But may be an ideal start - from the land where human civilization started.

Amazing Journey by an American Bela Fleck to Africa in search of African Traditional Music. Uganda, Tanzania, Gambia, Mali.

I almost dont have any in depth knowledge about music - any format. I am more like a common man who listens to and appreciates music if it matches my taste.

Music deeply embedded in the african culture. Traditional musical instruments - wow - cannot imagine such simple things could be so good.

There is definitely much more in Africa than ruthless rulers, mass killings, wars and exploitation. I am happy that they are sticking to basics of life rather than falling for consumerist attitude. The video also give idea of basic life

Akonting - musical instrument made from local materials - You do not need highly precise machinery and computer software to create excellent product. I wonder if we really need to measure the frequencies and notes. This is my first feeling. I believed that we need precision to the last mm, modern technical expertise and processes but I am wrong.

In the beginning they play a very big instrument with wooden planks placed side by side which is played by many people. I wonder how they co-ordinate and change the beats simultaneously. Also the hand piano was amazing. Everyone is a singer there.

In one scene Bela is writing notes in a book. All those symbols on lined book. Well, these people need no notes. Music flows from their heart. Thats the best. I do not criticize writing notes though. Its fine.