Song For a Dark Girl

I am really enjoying Leyla McCalla's music these days. She combines numerous things I love: Langston Hughes, Haiti, Black cultures, and folk music. Anywho, "Song For A Dark Girl" is McCalla setting a powerful poem of Hughes to music. After one listen it should be obvious what the song is about...

Kamèn Sa Wa Fè?

"Kamèn Sa Wa Fè?" was recorded back in the 1930s by Alan Lomax, who recorded a twoubadou band's (Ago's Bal Band) version of the song (using a Haitian version of the marimbula)! I knew I recognized Leyla McCalla's version of "Kamèn Sa W Fè?" somewhere. Given McCalla's interest in folk music, I shouldn't be surprised. I suppose I prefer Ago's Bal Band over McCalla's take because of the use of the clave and the Cuban son influence.

Leyla McCalla

Lately I am really digging Leyla McCalla's latest album, a tribute to Langston Hughes and an exploration of Haitian folk music. She's not quite an amazing vocalist, but there is something appealing to her rather unadorned vocal style, plus her banjo and cello skills are enjoyable! She can sound perfectly fine just accompanying herself on the cello or banjo, and possesses classical credentials and folk/old-time cred from playing in New Orleans (as well as with the Carolina Chocolate Drops, an excellent band I once saw live). Check out some of her music here, as well as her excellent rendition of "Lonely House," a Kurt Weill number I have always been fond of. Besides that, I really enjoy her covers of Haitian folk tunes, including "Mesi Bondye" and "Latibonit."