Description
Disques Pierre Verany is a French record label founded in 1977 by Pierre Verany, a record producer and recording engineer. The label specializes in high-quality recordings, focusing on French and Italian classical music, particularly chamber music. However, it also released several exciting LPs that delighted audiophiles. In 1997, the label merged with Arion, another French label.
"Mamba Percussions Vol. 1," recorded in 1982, was first released on vinyl and soon after on CD. A second volume followed in 1984. The label's cover reads "Hi Fi Drums," suggesting it's a drum album for audiophiles. However, it's not the deep bass drums that excite audiophiles, but rather African drums. I don't deny that this is a well-recorded African drum recording, but if you listen to this repetitive African drum music constantly, it can get boring. It would be much better if each track had some variation, like the fifth track on side A.
Side B is "The Magic of the Paraguayan Harp," originally from another Disques Pierre Verany album. This album focuses on the Paraguayan harp, with simple instrumental accompaniment. What is the Paraguayan harp? It's essentially a variation of the European harp. When Europeans invaded South America, they brought the harp with them. The Paraguayans quickly adapted the European harp, removing the pedals and adapting it to play local music, hence the name Paraguayan harp. The performer, Ignacio Alderete, is a renowned Paraguayan-born harpist who has spent most of his life in Argentina and Brazil. He has his own small ensemble and has toured Europe, Africa, Greece, Egypt, and other places, performing and recording extensively. The Paraguayan harp music on Side B is much more lively than the African drum music on Side A, and many of the music featured includes familiar Central and South American music. Even if you're new to it, this Central and South American music is easily accessible and you're sure to enjoy it.
