The Boy And The Mouth Organ

Audio file
Date recorded: May 18, 1962
Contributor(s): Performer: Rose of Sharon Singers; Performer: Bartholomew, Bethel; Recordist: Lomax, Alan
Subject(s):
Genre: cantefable, story song
Culture: Caribbean, Trinidad
Instruments: voice
Location: Toco, Sangre Grande, Trinidad and Tobago
Physical form: Reel to Reel
Tape number: T1072
Track Number: 8
Archive ID: T1072R08
Note: Story narrated and sung by Bethel Bartholomew. Throughout the narrative Bartholomew sings songs and accompanies himself with hand tapping and/or foot stomping. Alan Lomax calls this performance style “cantefable” and notes that the story is about a “boy [who] tricks the devil’s wife” (Field Log). Alan Lomax can be heard asking questions before and after the story.
Belongs to: Toco II 5/62
About the session: This session features a number of spoken and musical performance styles, including cantefables (spoken and sung stories), bongo (music and dance accompanying a wake-house ritual), shango (music and dance honoring the orisa deity of fire), and work songs. All of the songs are performed solo. The performances are either a cappella or the singers accompany themselves with handclapping, tapping, and foot stomping.
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