The Black Europe Archive
The most comprehensive Black European sound collection available online, this series traces the origins of the earliest African European recordings pre-1927. The breadth and range of this collection is immense, almost encyclopedic in scope, and also includes 2 reference books for further research.
Black Europe: The Sounds And Images Of Black People In Europe Pre-1927, compilation producers; Jeffrey Green, Ranier E. Lotz & Howard Rye, mastering engineer; Christian Zwarg.
Label: Bear Family
This compilation, released on 'Bear Family Records,' has been long out of print and now available for the first time complete and accessible in MP3 format mastered from the original wax cylinders and shellac discs.
'From African-Americans comes an aural kaleidoscope of entertainers and music from the last days of minstrelsy through ragtime and music hall artists to string bands, spirituals, and the early days of jazz in Europe, including the earliest examples of stride piano and rhythm scat singing, and some of the first records made anywhere of African-American folk music practices. From Africans come recordings of African languages and folk tales, religious music on both African and European models, and recordings of the popular music of the 1920s. Also documented is the involvement of those born in Europe of African descent in the wider culture of the African diaspora.'
Disclaimer: Please note, these are important recordings of African European history, however certain tracks in the archive contain terms and language that is outdated, offensive and deemed racially derogatory, this is indicative of the time it was recorded, it is important to be mindful of the impact that this content may have on others. Sensitivity to the nature of this material and all those affected is advised. The books accompanying the music also cover biographical histories and advertising. 'Brace yourselves,' as it also sheds an uncomfortable light on the realities of racism in Europe pre 1927 where we are given a glimpse into actual examples of racist depictions, portrayals and stereotypes of black people ingrained in everyday life, a reminder of the type of struggles that performers and musicians during this era would face on their way towards shaping history.
'Black Europe: The Sounds and Images of Black People in Europe Pre-1927' was first published on the 25th October 2015 and the collection is owned by Bear Family Records.
(MP3 320kbps Googledrive Access)
1244 Tracks: Total Runtime - 56 Hours 26 Minutes
The Official Bear Family Records Website
Radio 4: Black Music in Europe a Hidden History by Clarke Peters
The Black Europe Reissue Project by Rainer E Lotz 2011 ARSC Conference
