On today’s African Rhythms: warm sounds from Hindi Zahra (Morocco/Paris), Sam Mangwana (Congo), Mighty Diamonds (Kingston), Kamatana (Kenya) and Blitz the Ambassador (Ghana/NYC) along with a steel drum-fueled Trinidadian mix with Black Truth Rhythm Band, Steel an’ Skin and the Esso Trinidad Steelband’s cover of a Jackson Five song produced by Van Dyke Parks… The show is streaming now at the KFAI site.
Just over the transom in a well-packed Ernie B’s carton are two releases from heroic label Inna De Yard by two of the all time great Jamaican harmony trios: The Mighty Diamonds and The Viceroys. These are all-new recordings by some of Jamaica’s foundation roots artists, done in an incredible, stripped-down style.
You can hear some samples from the Mighty Diamonds here (I recommend 4000 Years), and Heart Made Of Stone by the Viceroys here.
The Mighty Diamonds in the studio. Not sure what the documentary footage is tacked on at the end (Haile Selassie in procession?) (editor’s note: yes), but it shouldn’t impede your enjoyment of this classic Jamaican harmony trio.
Debussy Fields 