Mama Don’t Allow (Mama ma b’Tismah) | Reem Kelani

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Mama Don’t Allow (Mama ma b’Tismah)

from Why Do I Love Her? by Reem Kelani

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about

I first heard this song in Kuwait in the early 1970s on the LP “Alive Alive-o!” (RCA, 1969) by Puerto Rican singer and guitarist José Feliciano, from his concert at the London Palladium. Instantly, I was hooked, and from then on I would sing it to tease my late mother whenever she protested about me becoming a professional singer.

Most references consider the song to be traditional American, but some attribute the melody to blues and boogie-woogie piano player Charles ‘Cow Cow’ Davenport (1894-1955). The lyrics revolve around doing things that ‘Mama Don’t Allow’, and performers usually adapt the musical arrangements to fit the moment.

Since hearing Feliciano’s rendition, I have listened to and enjoyed other versions by Johnny Cash & June Carter, as well as most recently, by the ‘American Songster’ Dom Flemons.

Watch out for the microtonal surprise close to the end of the song.

credits

from Why Do I Love Her?, track released November 30, 2018
Traditional American
Translated lyrics & Arranged by: Reem Kelani (MCPS)

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Reem Kelani London, UK

Reem Kelani is an independent artist. Please buy Reem’s music & support her work.
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