This
is the first recording I have received from a Cambodian accordionist.
Tracks include the performers own compositions as well as pieces
by unknown composers, based on the Cambodian folk style. Most
of the pieces are accompanied by some other instrument: flute,
piano, drums, recorder etc.
I wanted to mention this recording
as it is surrounded by the specific and most touching circumstances.
The CD is designed to be played while reading the book about the
Cambodian holocaust entitled "Music through the Dark"
by Bree Lafreniere. The book claims that it was Daran's talent
for playing the accordion that saved his life as he was also a
target for execution like many of his family members. The book
also states that "Daran lived under the Vietnamese installed
Government in Cambodia until 1984 when he escaped into Thailand.
In 1988 after 4 years in a refugee camp, he was admitted to the
United States as a humanitarian parolee. He now makes his living
as a social worker, gardens and revives his memories with the
accordion."
These are some of the excerpts covering
each song that Daran Kravanh wrote:
"This song was composed
while I sat atop a tree hiding from the Communist Khmer Rouge
soldiers. I noted in my mind that I could see the sky, the mountains,
the lakes, the trees, the animals, and the leaves - everything,
except the faces of my family."
"I composed this song while
I was living on the graveyard and near death
."
"I composed this song spontaneously
when I was near death from starvation. Its melody energized me
and led me to a tree of fruit
"
"This music is dedicated
to my family who were not allowed to survive - may your souls
live forever in this CD. And to my living brother, my two sons,
my wife and all my beloved Cambodian people and musicians - may
this music honor you and remind you to love and keep peace always".
"Profits from this CD will
benefit social, educational and artistic development projects
in Cambodia."
In its own language and level, this
recording portrays human sadness in trying times and projects
the victory of human spirit. I will not grade this recording with
the stars as I did not mention it for its artistic merits but
rather for its merits towards humanity.
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