Honest Jon's third compilation of early 78s from the EMI Hayes Archive is an eclectic survey of the collection, spanning enough time and geography to cover a lifetime of travel. The selections date from 1903 to 1957 and cross the globe many times over. No dull history lesson, this is vibrant music of uncommon beauty.
Not only does this compilation present a broad variety of styles, it also captures many different moods, like Fernando Vilches and Ramon Montoya's proudly insistent yet touching flamenco "Flor De Petenera," the kaleidoscopic "Lagu Kebiar" by Bali's Gamelan Gong, or the majestic drones of Jonuzi Me Shoket of Albania's "Vome Kaba." Keeping things light, most of the English-language songs reflect a sense of humor, such as Cliff Edwards' "I Ain't Got Nobody But You," Sam Mayo's "Things Are Worse in Russia," and Mighty Sparrow's "The Queen's Canary." Also funny is Vengopal Chari of Madras' impersonations of "Different Kind of Motor Car Noises." Disconcertingly unfunny, however, are his attempts at "Laughing."
Every track has some unavoidable sign of age, and the sound quality does vary a bit, but the sequencing creates enough continuity that it never distracts for long. The most noticeable example starts with the track that inspired the collection's title, Joseph Taylor's "Sprig O' Thyme." Since it's from 1908, some surface noise is understandable, but its poignancy lends presence before giving way to the eerie and haunting but even older and equally hissy "Seigaiha" by Tokyo's Imperial Palace Band from 1903. Then comes the whimsical organ of "My Darling Rose" from Mr. Ero of Georgia and Fatma Ben Meddah of Morocco's hypnotic "Zeza Barkak Melbeka," spinning heads so fast that small differences in sound quality are of little consequence.
This travelogue can be a whirlwind sometimes, but it's one that continually engages the imagination despite the lack of a specific theme. Sprigs of Time is dense but never heavy, and it only gets more fascinating with every listen.
samples:
- Fairuz - "Yo Honaina"
- Noubar Bey & Party - "Fantasie Maggiar"
- Sexteto Habanero - "Romantic Mujer"
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