A true genius and musician. While reading numerous artist album covers i have discovered that Ralph McDonald was their featured percussionist. From Donny Hathaway to Grover Washington Jr. and the Queen of soul Ms. Aretha Franklin. Ralph McDonald deserves to be inducted into the Music Hall of Fame. The Path album truly takes you on a trip from Africa to the streets of NYC jams in the parks. Rock on Ralph forever.
Seventeen minutes of time travel from Africa, to the islands, to the states - a musical trip to heaven. Ralph MacDonald was a musical mastermind. We will never forget his genius. Long live his memory!
Jaelyn Patrick your grandfather was so great that this album was played fully at our school parties in the late 70s. He made me have the feel of become a great percussionist. Thank God for his talents!
The transition between the African drums and the steel pans was a very emotional moment for me, seminal piece of work, may his memory live on while he rests in peace.........
Musical chronology of the journey of a people into slavery from a village festival and incantations to lamentations in Africa , mid passage ,the Caribbean and finally to North America ,the fight for freedom and more lamentations and Nostalgia for the Homeland and eventual return to the homeland. This is pure poetry.This is a musical odyssey.
when I first started learning how to play congas, this was the man I was imulating. I wore this album out. This was in 1978. Now in 2018, I still love album, and play this style.
Is it weird that I was listening to this when everybody else was listening to the Bee Gees? I couldn't get enough, it would always put me in the happiest trance.
Not at all weird. There is TONS of music out there. Different styles, different cultures, a million genres. When I was in High School, and everyone was listing to Led Zepplin, I was in my room listening to Earth, Wind and Fire, Stephen Sondheim's musical, "A little Night Music", and even Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Music has so many moods that it can put you into, and this album is one of them. (And that's coming from me ... a percussionist!) LOL
I remember listening to this song when I was 5. This is the first time I fell in love with music. The way this sing moved me. I am 49 now, and to find this song on UA-cam has been a blessing because it brought back a piece of me that has been missing for over 30 years. Thank you to the person who uploaded this. You are a true music connoisseur.
Yeh. I was the only cat in my circle of friends back in the day to actually purchase albums/45's. Teen years. Everybody wanted to borrow but no one wanted to return. I stopped lending when one of my buddies actually gave me that look like he thought it was rightfully his. Ralph was a mainstay for so many projects back in the day. His percussive chops showed up on so many artists renderings. I was so glad The Path was bumped on so many stations. Can u imagine this being programmed today? Right!
Whoever say that music cannot transport your mind to other places has no spirit of being. Close your eyes....where are you...who are you...what are you doing?
This music always bring tears to my eyes, because it takes me back to ages ago when I fell in love with jazz music, The solos, the music conversation within the instruments, the chants and the interchange of rhythms. One of the best percussionists in history. Sleep well uncle Ralph!
My cousin would come home from college with this tremendous jazz/rock/fusion and we'd sit around getting stoned,reading the musicians credits and such. A glorious time for music 1968-1986 ! Just off the chain!! Fuggedaboutit!
I found this at our local record store. Somehow it called out to me when ai saw it. After taking a pic (so as to look into further here) I put it back. I'm going back for it today. This is AMAZING!
This a MASTER PIECE no doubt from beginning to the end ... he is well respected by many musician just look at all of his work. May you rest in peace brother Ralph McDonald thanks for sharing your vibes to everyone.
When I first heard this I was mesmerised and loved the way it went from Africa to the West Indies then to America I played this to all my friends who just loved it too. RIP Ralph I followed your path from Harry Belafonte onwards yea where is the love !!
What a Groooooove, when this album came out WRTI 90.1FM -Temple U, WHUR Howard U. and DC's own WPFW 89-3 were killing it as. "INDIE" Stations...and this was one of the tunes leading me down our Cultural "Path" Thanks Ralph!!!!
HAD THIS ON A VINYL 33/3 RECORD 30 YEARS AGO AND IT WAS MAGNIFICENT ON A HIGH QUALITY STEREO SET UP LIVED IN LONDON AND TRINIDA AND LOVED THE TRANSITION FROM AFRICAN TO CALYPSO.
R.I.P Ralph MacDonald. I discovered this timeless masterpiece among my cousin's collection way back in '83 and instantly fell in love with it. I played it to my elder brother who took the album and never returned it. I will always cherish this creation.
Wow......thanks for posting this piece. Bought the album twice, and it got borrowed twice......but, I know that both copies were passed from hand to hand, everyone ripping it off from the lender, and I hope that many many people had a chance to listen to this song. When the disc jockey used to put this on, the dance floor went nuts......
I first heard this in Singapore from a friend in 1981. It has stayed with me ever since, particularly as I spent the next 16 years working in West Africa.
When I was younger, I danced to this song during a summer intensive at Garth Fagan’s dance studio when we learned one of his most infamous pieces “From Before.” This song moved my soul and I’ve been looking for the name ever since, I’m so glad I found it!
YeahYeah. The piece Garth Fagan choreographed on this music, From Before, is a dance masterpiece. (You can see the piece on UA-cam, btw. It was shown on PBSs Great Performance series) It’s in the repertory of the Ailey Company now as well.
Jaelyn, not only is The Path absolutely phenomenal, but the album cover is oh so perfect! The album cover, like The Path, captures Ralph MacDonald's roots, his links to a glorious past, when mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers dressed up to go out into the community, and dressed up to take photographs, and family life seemed to have an extra special significance. If the little one in the photo is Mr. MacDonald, he appears to have been truly loved and it is therefore not surprising that he grew up to make such a wonderful contribution not only to his family, but to the world. His music enabled us to fully appreciate our past as we travel through this gift of life. The Path truly enriched my life and is somehow profoundly and divinely inspirational, like Handle's Messiah.
didn't know he died! thanks for posting this complete side of the album. had it when i was a teen in the 70's. played it loud as i could when my parents were not home. it rocked the Woodside Projects!
Oh, my goodness! I well remember this album from my college days. Couldn't stop playing/listening to it. As mesmerizing today as it was then, a musical masterpiece if there ever was one. I am awestruck by Mr. McDonald's musical creativity and interpretative genius.
I heard this once in my extreme youth and never forgot it. The shifts in style, from traditional African to fusion, are like a mini musical history lesson. Finally figured out who the artist was and wore grooves in the MP3.
I love Jimi Solanke's spoken word in the beginning of the piece...spoken in Yoruba (he's from Nigeria) and he is known as a story teller, actor, musician, band leader, and promoter of West African cultural traditions. I still find his poem "The River" as heard in the first bars of music inspirational and draws me and connects me back to my West African Roots
Since Solanke's passing...may he rest in peace...I have been searching for his poems. Would you be so kind to share a link or words to his poem, 'The River'? Many thanks
Fortunately, I never lent my father's album out. I DID, however, tape it and used it for a dance composition in a dance class that I took....It was AWESOME!!!!
パーカション奏者 Ralph MacDonal が自身のrootsを”path(道)”として表現した大作。最初はearthyなアフリカのrhythm音楽から、中南米のカリプソ、そして最後はアメリカのjazzへと、17分のmusical tripです。残念なことに、ralphもジャケット写真に収められる人になってしまいましたが、壮大なこの曲はいつまでも人の心に残るでしょう。R.I.P
Ralph McDonald a true percussionist and Genius, this takes me back to Kaiser Park in Coney island where the CUE BROTHERS and COUNT JC use to battle in the park.
Eu e meu amigo Samuel Correa Baterista estamos a muitos anos procurando essa musica e conseguimos agora muito obrigado a quem teve esse carinho de faze-lo abraços Sergio Oliveira Musico e Produtor Musical
I remember purchasing this album based on Ralph McDonald playing in "Stuff" years ago. A historical and cultural lesson on disc. Anyone have information on the "Little Moor" of Germany African heritage?
The Story was told to Ralph by grandma - Albertha Fritz. The photos that make up the album cover are from the family photos. The blessing was that Ralph was able to complete to song and play it for her before she passed away. She said she never heard anything more beautiful in her life! * For the record - my dad "Urias (Uncle Bougs) Fritz (Ralph's favorite uncle) taught Ralph how to play...
A true genius and musician. While reading numerous artist album covers i have discovered that Ralph McDonald was their featured percussionist. From Donny Hathaway to Grover Washington Jr. and the Queen of soul Ms. Aretha Franklin. Ralph McDonald deserves to be inducted into the Music Hall of Fame. The Path album truly takes you on a trip from Africa to the streets of NYC jams in the parks. Rock on Ralph forever.
Yep! Ralph and Lenny Castro are prob the two most recorded percussionists. Just mind boggling! 🤯
@@Squirrelconga Top 2 recorded might be Ralph & Bashiri Johnson!
@@wickedgf OTHER TOP 2 PERCUSSIONISTS BESIDE`S THE ONE`S MENTIONED ARE WITH NO DOUBT
PAULINHO DA COSTA AND BILL SUMMERS !!!!!
Seventeen minutes of time travel from Africa, to the islands, to the states - a musical trip to heaven. Ralph MacDonald was a musical mastermind. We will never forget his genius. Long live his memory!
Jaelyn Patrick your grandfather was so great that this album was played fully at our school parties in the late 70s.
He made me have the feel of become a great percussionist. Thank God for his talents!
The transition between the African drums and the steel pans was a very emotional moment for me, seminal piece of work, may his memory live on while he rests in peace.........
I thought I was the only one feeling emotional in reference to this music, the title alone touches me.
Sadeeka Richardson Certainly not. Me too. Have this record in vinyl for about 30 years. Been always something so spezial to listen to
I miss Ralph
Musical chronology of the journey of a people into slavery from a village festival and incantations to lamentations in Africa , mid passage ,the Caribbean and finally to North America ,the fight for freedom and more lamentations and Nostalgia for the Homeland and eventual return to the homeland. This is pure poetry.This is a musical odyssey.
Ase OOOO!
Yes. A BEAUTIFUL piece. Masterpiece ❤❤
Thanks for sharing the summary. I was wondering why the songs clash so frequently.
I was hoping for more of Yoroba music but now I understand.
when I first started learning how to play congas, this was the man I was imulating. I wore this album out. This was in 1978. Now in 2018, I still love album, and play this style.
Would 💜 to hear/see some your playing, man!
Where ya located?
Me too! In 1978! Also Mazacote,and Babatunde olatunji...
Keep on keeping on!!!
Is it weird that I was listening to this when everybody else was listening to the Bee Gees? I couldn't get enough, it would always put me in the happiest trance.
Not at all weird. There is TONS of music out there. Different styles, different cultures, a million genres. When I was in High School, and everyone was listing to Led Zepplin, I was in my room listening to Earth, Wind and Fire, Stephen Sondheim's musical, "A little Night Music", and even Tchaikovsky's "1812 Overture". Music has so many moods that it can put you into, and this album is one of them. (And that's coming from me ... a percussionist!) LOL
I remember listening to this song when I was 5. This is the first time I fell in love with music. The way this sing moved me. I am 49 now, and to find this song on UA-cam has been a blessing because it brought back a piece of me that has been missing for over 30 years. Thank you to the person who uploaded this. You are a true music connoisseur.
Yeh. I was the only cat in my circle of friends back in the day to actually purchase albums/45's. Teen years. Everybody wanted to borrow but no one wanted to return. I stopped lending when one of my buddies actually gave me that look like he thought it was rightfully his. Ralph was a mainstay for so many projects back in the day. His percussive chops showed up on so many artists renderings. I was so glad The Path was bumped on so many stations. Can u imagine this being programmed today? Right!
Whoever say that music cannot transport your mind to other places has no spirit of being. Close your eyes....where are you...who are you...what are you doing?
This music always bring tears to my eyes, because it takes me back to ages ago when I fell in love with jazz music, The solos, the music conversation within the instruments, the chants and the interchange of rhythms. One of the best percussionists in history. Sleep well uncle Ralph!
All Musicians participating have done a fantastic Job !!!
Legendary Musicians !!!
My cousin would come home from college with this tremendous jazz/rock/fusion and we'd sit around getting stoned,reading the musicians credits and such. A glorious time for music 1968-1986 ! Just off the chain!! Fuggedaboutit!
I found this at our local record store. Somehow it called out to me when ai saw it. After taking a pic (so as to look into further here) I put it back. I'm going back for it today. This is AMAZING!
Trinidad, Harlem, Africa. The world in percussion and beyond.
The Genius of Mama Africa is always found in the drum- our heartbeat.
This a MASTER PIECE no doubt from beginning to the end ... he is well respected by many musician just look at all of his work. May you rest in peace brother Ralph McDonald thanks for sharing your vibes to everyone.
My 5th grade dance recital. I thank my teacher for introducing me to this. Masterpiece. The journey.
When I first heard this I was mesmerised and loved the way it went from Africa to the West Indies then to America I played this to all my friends who just loved it too. RIP Ralph I followed your path from Harry Belafonte onwards yea where is the love !!
This is one of my favorite spiritual journeys..... Rest in peace my belove brother. Thanks for recording this journey
Ralph MacDonald - March 15, 1944 - December 18, 2011
THANKS 4 SHARING and R.I.P RALPH MacDONALD !!! (My GURU)
Beautiful song! I grew up to my mom playing this as she cleaned the house and I would play outside in the yard. One of the songs of my childhood.
What a Groooooove, when this album came out WRTI 90.1FM -Temple U, WHUR Howard
U. and DC's own WPFW 89-3 were killing it as. "INDIE" Stations...and this was one of the tunes leading me down our Cultural "Path" Thanks Ralph!!!!
HAD THIS ON A VINYL 33/3 RECORD 30 YEARS AGO AND IT WAS MAGNIFICENT ON A HIGH QUALITY STEREO SET UP LIVED IN LONDON AND TRINIDA AND LOVED THE TRANSITION FROM AFRICAN TO CALYPSO.
Do you know your past , do you know your future, together they will give you THE PATH. of life.
R.I.P Ralph MacDonald. I discovered this timeless masterpiece among my cousin's collection way back in '83 and instantly fell in love with it. I played it to my elder brother who took the album and never returned it. I will always cherish this creation.
This is why I never lend out my records. On that note I appreciate that people appreciate this masterpiece as much as I do.
OMG! I cannot believe I found this! I am eternally grateful to you for posting this! A MASTERPIECE!
Wow......thanks for posting this piece. Bought the album twice, and it got borrowed twice......but, I know that both copies were passed from hand to hand, everyone ripping it off from the lender, and I hope that many many people had a chance to listen to this song. When the disc jockey used to put this on, the dance floor went nuts......
I'll never forget my dad playing this on our 'new stereo system for the first time!
:) :) :)
Hahaha! 🤯
I first heard this in Singapore from a friend in 1981. It has stayed with me ever since, particularly as I spent the next 16 years working in West Africa.
My dance teacher Diane Glover choreographed a dance for this song, 30 years later I still remember the choreography.
.
OMG!!!! That was my dance teacher too.
Mine too !!!!
Sharon Madison Sultan working with Dance Black @ Duke University !!! Where is she now ???
Would love to see the dance to this!
@@Auntkekebaby wasn't she great!
When I was younger, I danced to this song during a summer intensive at Garth Fagan’s dance studio when we learned one of his most infamous pieces “From Before.” This song moved my soul and I’ve been looking for the name ever since, I’m so glad I found it!
YeahYeah. The piece Garth Fagan choreographed on this music, From Before, is a dance masterpiece. (You can see the piece on UA-cam, btw. It was shown on PBSs Great Performance series) It’s in the repertory of the Ailey Company now as well.
Jaelyn, not only is The Path absolutely phenomenal, but the album cover is oh so perfect! The album cover, like The Path, captures Ralph MacDonald's roots, his links to a glorious past, when mothers, fathers, grandfathers, and grandmothers dressed up to go out into the community, and dressed up to take photographs, and family life seemed to have an extra special significance. If the little one in the photo is Mr. MacDonald, he appears to have been truly loved and it is therefore not surprising that he grew up to make such a wonderful contribution not only to his family, but to the world. His music enabled us to fully appreciate our past as we travel through this gift of life. The Path truly enriched my life and is somehow profoundly and divinely inspirational, like Handle's Messiah.
His grandmother may have had 16 children and his father was a Harlem calypso legend.
@@zxcccccc1 Facts! 16 kids and dad was Macbeth The Great - Calypso King of NYC!
didn't know he died! thanks for posting this complete side of the album. had it when i was a teen in the 70's. played it loud as i could when my parents were not home. it rocked the Woodside Projects!
Oh, my goodness! I well remember this album from my college days. Couldn't stop playing/listening to it. As mesmerizing today as it was then, a musical masterpiece if there ever was one. I am awestruck by Mr. McDonald's musical creativity and interpretative genius.
This album is really hard to find. Classic!
I heard this once in my extreme youth and never forgot it. The shifts in style, from traditional African to fusion, are like a mini musical history lesson. Finally figured out who the artist was and wore grooves in the MP3.
I love Jimi Solanke's spoken word in the beginning of the piece...spoken in Yoruba (he's from Nigeria) and he is known as a story teller, actor, musician, band leader, and promoter of West African cultural traditions. I still find his poem "The River" as heard in the first bars of music inspirational and draws me and connects me back to my West African Roots
oldschooldrumcorps thank you!
Since Solanke's passing...may he rest in peace...I have been searching for his poems. Would you be so kind to share a link or words to his poem, 'The River'? Many thanks
"MEMORIES" 💞
Can someone please translate what is being said in the song? The music sounds incredible…I just want to know what they are saying.
I remember buying this back in 1977 and was spellbound with this.
Mom sent me this album in 78, she first heard it on WJZZ in Detroit.
Jazz & Calypso: what a beautiful combination!
Going through my pops records and came across this. I am totally sampling it.
Fortunately, I never lent my father's album out. I DID, however, tape it and used it for a dance composition in a dance class that I took....It was AWESOME!!!!
Found this again while reading Jimmy Buffets book...a pirate looks at fifty...need to get me some good ganja and chillax😍😍😉
YES!!
Yes
Garth Fagan choreographed a dance called "From Before" in 1978 and this is the song goes with it :)
It's the reverse - the Path came first then the choreography went to it!
I haven't heard this song since the late 1970's. Just as good now as it was then!
パーカション奏者 Ralph MacDonal が自身のrootsを”path(道)”として表現した大作。最初はearthyなアフリカのrhythm音楽から、中南米のカリプソ、そして最後はアメリカのjazzへと、17分のmusical tripです。残念なことに、ralphもジャケット写真に収められる人になってしまいましたが、壮大なこの曲はいつまでも人の心に残るでしょう。R.I.P
GREAT CONCEPT ALBUM...I REMEMBER WHEN I FIRST BOUGHT IT IN LONDON...I WENT BANANAS...
Ralph McDonald a true percussionist and Genius, this takes me back to Kaiser Park in Coney island where the CUE BROTHERS and COUNT JC use to battle in the park.
Brilliant then and now !!! 👍👍❤️❤️🎼🎼🎼
It's amazing how record company's can sit on stuff for so many years. I see this as a import CD for 80.00 Bucks God bless UA-cam
This was relesed wayyyy back in 1977. I bought it.
I always loved that it opens with ancient African percussion (congas, jawbone , bata) pitted against the then-current Syndrum electronic drums.
I have this on 8 track still sealed, came to you tube to see who Ralph was. I might just open 8 track and pop it in my player
Words just can't say ? Good Job Ralph.... Jah Bless
THIS IS A BEAUTIFUL SONG!!
Masterpiece !!!
A masterpiece. I feel the soul of my ancestors.
Eu e meu amigo Samuel Correa Baterista estamos a muitos anos procurando essa musica e conseguimos agora muito obrigado a quem teve esse carinho de faze-lo abraços Sergio Oliveira Musico e Produtor Musical
This was a weekend staple in my house. I had to get the CD, a few years ago...
I have this on wax. Great album!
Great tunes, Rob!
+Robert Lisboa Me to Rob . Side two is pretty dope as well.
John Barrett-there is a side two? LOL
I just picked this up on vinyl. Can’t wait to spin!
DID KNOW RALPH MACDONALD PASSED AWAY NEARLY A YEAR AGO! THIS IS MUSIC!
Love what you said about blasting music when your parents were not home! My sister and I can attest to that! :-)
Garth's choreography to this
This is so lit you can see it from Saturn.
Thank you, Mr. Paul E. Jacks for introducing me to this brilliant work of art.
Oh ! Lord ! This epic must have been created by God !!!
Good music calms the soul
I love good music
💚sempre nel cuore , da sempre per sempre
Recommended by Norman Cook on his open q&a on the Guardian website today.And he's not wrong! Superb.
Genius
the is a very good drummer one of the best
yea thanks mine also got lost borrowing out, A BIG THANX for posting this
Thank you Howard Bloom. This is a diamond gem
By the way my brother, I am referring to The Path. Merci, obrigado
Love,
Ava Jacks Atkinson
Banger
Great song!!!!
SDSU 1978. The Dance Repertory group. Thank You Dr. Danny Scarsborough!!!
Wow!
Souvenirs souvenirs : MAGNIFIQUE
Love that groove @ 6:00 kicks in
very inspirational
Featuring Pa Jimi Solanke .. beautiful
Ninetoes - Finder sample at 6:00
Im confused, who´s the owner of this sample? nine toes or ralph
Ralph, of course.
Naaa listen to the whole piece guys and get hypnotized and blown away come ooon it’s a masterpiece ❤️
This Is Absolutely Amazing^^
Thank you for posting this!
I remember purchasing this album based on Ralph McDonald playing in "Stuff" years ago. A historical and cultural lesson on disc. Anyone have information on the "Little Moor" of Germany African heritage?
The Story was told to Ralph by grandma - Albertha Fritz. The photos that make up the album cover are from the family photos. The blessing was that Ralph was able to complete to song and play it for her before she passed away. She said she never heard anything more beautiful in her life! * For the record - my dad "Urias (Uncle Bougs) Fritz (Ralph's favorite uncle) taught Ralph how to play...
Jimi Solanke of Nigeria on the "Yoruba" Poetry.
Intro words done in Yoruba by Uncle Jimmy Sholanke.
Dance Black America movie brought me here!
fantastic pulse!
My friend Dhundee brought me here. Wow didn’t know the original
Version Just Ninetoes sample
Horns- the Brecker Brothers, Randy and Michael et al.
Moooooooooood...
great sounds...............:D
Best ever
respect
I have this vinyl record for a nice price, but only the OBI is missing 😢
Renegade Soundwave brought me here
13:35.....goose pimples all over meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!
I just posted a video upload of Ralph Mcdonald's "Star Black" from the album The Writers. A great album!
Why this popped in my head I don't know but