Kandelab, Volume 1: 101 Notated Haitian Folk And Vodou Songs Paperback – June 2, 2013

Preserving one’s cultural heritage may have been made easier with technology but such a feat becomes time consuming when the heritage to be preserved belongs to a culture where musical traditions are passed on orally from generation to generation. Haitian-born musician Georges Vilson has embraced the challenge through Kandelab: 101 Notated Haitian Folk and Vodou Songs.When my childhood friend Serge Madhère, PhD, informed me that he had written the prologue for Kandelab 101, Volume 1, A Compilation of 101 Vodou and Folk Songs, I awaited with great anticipation this tome of verses and musical notations accompanied by a CD set of all the songs performed by author/musician Georges Vilson. I was not disappointed when I finally purchased a copy of the book and the CD set. The combined set was the perfect tool for both novice and aficionado to deepen their knowledge and understanding of Haitian sacred hymns.Kandelab Volume 1 is a delightful, nostalgic journey where I revisited songs of my childhood and learned new ones. The CD set offered me the opportunity to sing along, accompanied by Georges’ beautiful voice amplified by the masterful rhythms of his drummers. It was such a pleasure to discover the wealth of rhythms within our repertoire. I thought they were all the same. Now I know the difference and feel ever more empowered when I can identify a Rara from a Petwo.Carolle Jean-Murat, MD

It is an heirloom! Precious. Most definitely worth it. Even if you do not play the Piano, you should own this collection. I am working on the rest of them. I pray I am able to afford them before they become unavailable. So run don't walk and get yours.