Various Artists – Small Island Big Song (Small Island Big Song, 2018)
Small Island Big Song is a remarkable musical project envisioned by Australian music producer and filmmaker Tim Cole and his partner BaoBao Chen.
Concerned about the rising seas due to climate change and how this alteration will have a devastating effect on the inhabitants of many islands that have managed to live a sustainable existence, Cole and Chen spent three years recording the music of various cultures and indigenous groups from countries and island nations in the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.
The fascinating musical voyage traces ancient migration and trade routes that connect the islands. The producers captured an enormous amount of film footage and audio recordings, featuring over 100 musicians from 16 countries.
The collection on Small Island Big Song contains multi-tracked performances and jams between musicians from diverse cultures. Some of these include the sape lute from the Dayak people of Borneo (Malaysia) with a bamboo ensemble in Papua New Guinea; Maori music combined with Taiwanese Indigenous harmonies; Easter Island Jaiwaian reggae along with a Kompang group from Singapore; and the mesmerizing water music of Leweton Village in Vanuatu.
The extensive list of artists includes:
Madagascar: Bosco Rakoto, Clara Andrianaivo, Monja Manitsindava, Sammy Andriamalalaharijaona, Rajery, Ankivio Village Band, Nofy Be, Belo sur Mer, Saroba and Sandro.
Taiwan: Piteyo Ukah, Ado Kaliting Pacidal, Siao-Chun Tai, Djanav Zengror and Luona Cultural Group
Singapore: Kompang Hut
Indonesia: Gus Teja
Vanuatu: Leweton Village
Tahiti: O Tahiti E and Poemoana
Malaysia: Alena Murang, Arthur Borman, Tepu’ Doo’ Ilah, Pahin Lusang and Uko Usun
Solomon Islands: Charles Maimarosia
Papua New Guinea: Airileke, Ben Hakalitz, Markham Galut, Koyawa, Yumi Yet Bamboo Band, Richard Mogu and Mongal String Band.
Hawaii (USA): Kekuhi Kealiikanakaoleohaililani and Kuana Torres Kahele
Rapa Nui/Easter Island (Chile): Yoyo Tuki
Torres Strait Australia: Mau Power, Will Kepa, Gabriel Bani and Tommy Billy
Aotearoa/New Zealand: Waimihi Hotere and Horomona Horo
The physical edition is beautifully packaged and designed with lyrics, numerous photos and credits. It’s fair trade music, where 50% of the net profit goes back to the musicians and communities.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
