Madagascar: Land of the Betsimisaraka presents a variety of upbeat folk songs performed by various family groups, all of the Betsimisaraka people of Eastern Madagascar. Included are dance music and songs for ritual feasts and festivals recorded by ethnomusicologist Alain Desjacques in 1994. Much percussion is matched with the lighter tones of group vocals and flutes throughout this energetic, often joyous music. The accompanying liner notes offer translations of the songs and information on the performers, instruments, and traditions in both English and French. ~ Joslyn Layne