Album Notes

In the 1970's, Diane Wolkstein traveled throughout Haiti and recorded a rich collection of Haitian folktales. With delightful musical accompaniment by Shirley Keller, Diane tells five of these stories so intimately we feel as if she is sitting directly in front of us, inviting us into the unique culture and imagination of the Haitian people.

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Haiti's recent tragedy has given rise to an incredible outpouring of good will and generosity throughout the world. And yet despite recent events many people are unfamiliar with Haiti's vibrant culture and artistic traditions.

For nearly 40 years, Diane Wolkstein's ALA Notable book, The Magic Orange Tree and Other Haitian Folktales, has been a classic for those wanting to learn more about Haiti and their unique customs, stories, and songs. Traveling through the Haitian countryside, Wolkstein, herself a well-known storyteller, harvested a rich collection of over 400 tales which she winnowed down to twenty-seven stories. These stories not only have led generations of children and adults around the globe to experience the spirit of Haiti through their magical folktales, but Diane's work has proven so relevant to Haitian culture that many of these stories have been re-translated back into the original Creole.

Now, for the first time on CD, Diane tells five of these stories so intimately, we feel as if she is sitting directly in front of us. Interspersed with songs, and featuring delightful musical accompaniments by Shirley Keller based on recordings she made in Haiti, this long-awaited CD could not have arrived at a more appropriate time. With 10% of all proceeds going to Partners in Health towards the rebuilding of Haiti, Diane invites the listener not only to "stand with Haiti," but also to enjoy and learn from the resilience and wisdom of this proud culture-- a vibrant, vital culture which has enabled the Haitian people to thrive in the face of adversity.