CD

Talofa: Music of Samoa

GT1005-CD $11.95 + Shipping (& Taxes in California)

Tracks: 1.) Manu Ole Vave Ao 2.) Mua Ia Inā Mua Ao 3.) Ua Ao Pōpō, Ua Ō Le Aso Ula 4.)Faiaogae, Lota Loto Naunau 5.) Samoa Ola’u Fesili Po’o Le Ā Ea Sau Tali 6.) Mauga Ole Atu Olo 7.) Savalivali Maia 8.) Si Fe’e, Si Fe’e Ao Lau Lama 9.) Mo’omo’oga Sa Molia I Talosaga 10.) Ua Muālenei Po Ua Atoa Tupe Ile Fafao 11.) Ua Atoatoa Tupe Ole Fafao 12.) Samoa E, Lo’u Atunu’u Pele 13.) La’u Lupeua Lele 14.) Lo’u Atunuu Pele I Le Agaga

In 1976 the Ministry of Education of Samoa, under the Direction of Fanafi Larkin, assembled a Samoan cultural preservation project. The musical portion was recorded by Takoma Records over several sessions and then presented in a performance (pictured on cover*). Now, 30 years later, this important archival recording is being released in the hopes that it fulfills its mission: the preservation of Samoa’s musical culture.

Special thanks to the Second Samoan Church in Long Beach. Rev. Misipouena Tagaloa introduced us to Toeaso Faatili (Samoan Language and Culture), Maina Faiai (Choir Director), and Penny Laloulu (Piano Player) who identified the songs, selected the best version in the case of duplications (recorded at different sessions) and set the track order.

Thanks also to Bill Coben and Denny Bruce of Benchmark Recordings for their part in fostering and preserving this project.

Credits—Guiding Force: Dr. Fanafi Larkin; Location Producers & Recording Engineering: Charles K. Mitchell & Jon Monday; Cover Photograph: Jon Monday; Album Art: Anna Monday;