Joseph Spence – Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing (Smithsonian Folkways Recordings, 2021)
Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing introduces the music of one of the most influential artists from the Bahamas in the 20th century. Joseph Spence was a renowned guitarist and rhymer, who introduced his working class Bahamian style of singing and guitar playing to American audiences at folk festivals in the 1960s. He died in 1984.
The songs on this album were recorded by recording engineer, documentarian, and producer Peter Siegel in 1965. The set includes Spence classics as well as two new songs that Spence had never recorded before.
Encore highlights Spence’s skilled and captivating guitar style that combined melody, improvisation and rhythm. The spiritual vocals have a rhythmic and guttural form that characterized Spence’s songs.
Spence performed all the guitar parts and lead vocals. He was joined on some songs by backing singers Edith Pinder, Raymond Pinder and Geneva Pinder.
The extensive booklet includes essays about Spence, fascinating photography and detailed song notes.
Buy Encore: Unheard Recordings of Bahamian Guitar and Singing
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.