NRR Project: 'Indians for Indians' (March 25, 1947)

 

NRR Project: “Indians for Indians”

Broadcast March 25, 1947

30 min.

Another entry I know nothing about, and have little evidence of. This radio program was in operation since April 1941 through the mid-1970s, and provided a platform for Native American news and cultural expression. Read the essay by Josh Garrett-Davis.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: the Marshall Plan speech.

NRR Project: 'Manteca' (1953)

 

NRR Project: “Manteca”

Composed by Dizzy Gillespie, Chano Pozo, and Gil Fuller

Performed by the Dizzy Gillespie Big Band with Chano Pozo

Recorded Dec. 22, 1947

3:06

Read the excellent essay on this piece by Raul Fernandez!

This song marks the birth of the strong influence of Afro-Cuban jazz. Jazz had first served as a dance music; bebop took away the beat. Afro-Cuban jazz restored the beat, made better beats to improvise to. Dizzy Gillespe’s recruitment of the volatile and creative Chano Pozo – who could dance, sing, and play percussion all at once – led to a fusion of soaring brass lines and intense, compelling rhythm. This infusion of energy enriched jazz and propelled it forward.

The National Recording Registry Project tracks one writer’s expedition through all the recordings in the National Recording Registry in chronological order. Next time: “Indians for Indians”.