Music of Central Asia, Vol. 1: Tengir-Too - Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan

Music of Central Asia, Vol. 1: Tengir-Too - Mountain Music of Kyrgyzstan

Overview

This might be a manufactured excursion into Central Asian roots, but it's one with integrity, with the intention of going to the heart of the music of Kyrgyzstani mountain music. These are traditional and nostalgic pieces, as well as modern tunes and songs that evoke the past, all exquisitely performed. What's perhaps surprising is how un-alien it all sounds, from the flute melodies of "Kyz Oigotoor," which conjures up images of the Andes, to the brilliant full-throated singing of "Kyiylp Turam," which sounds European. But even the most Kryzyg pieces, such as the jew's-harp feature that opens the album, don't come across as especially strange, given their galloping rhythms that pull the ear along. In fact, everything here is a gem, thanks to the wonderful work of the band (and it's worth adding that the overall package is superb, with extensive notes and an accompanying DVD), whose thoughtful and imaginative arrangements make the most of the melodies and rhythms. The members of Tengir-Too, all virtuosos without ever flaunting the fact, make some glorious music. This offers a window on a relatively unknown world, and shows the view to be incredibly appealing.

Product Details

Release Date: 03/14/2006
Label: Smithsonian Folkways
UPC: 0093074052020
catalogNumber: 40520
Rank: 106590

Tracks

  1. Jangylyk (Novelty)
  2. Erke Kyz (The Spoiled Girl)
  3. Küidüm Chok (I Burn, I Smoulder Like Charcoal)
  4. Episode from the Manas: Kökötöidün Ashy (Kökötöi's Memorial Feast)
  5. Belek (Gift)
  6. Kara Özgöi (Impudent One)
  7. Kyiylyp Turam (I'm Sad to Say Goodbye)
  8. Attila Khan
  9. Ak Satkyn Menen Kulmyrza (Ak Satkyn and Kulmyrza)
  10. Fantasy on the Chopo Choor
  11. Gül (Flower)
  12. Jol Jürüsh
  13. Kengesh (Soviet)
  14. Esimde (I Remember)
  15. Ker Özön (Wide Valley)
  16. Sagynam (I Miss You)
  17. Kambarkan
  18. Kyz Oigotoor (A Melody That Wakes Up a Girl)

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Asylbek Nasirdinov   Jew's Harp,Komuz
Ruslan Jumabaev   Komuz
Nurak Abdrakhmanov   Komuz
Namazbek Uraliev   Komuz

Technical Credits

Elaine Anderson   Contributor
Joel Gordon   Producer,Engineer,Audio Production
Theodore Levin   Producer,Liner Notes,Audio Production,Series Executive Producer
Traditional   Composer
Sonya Cohen Cramer   Contributor
Carlos Casas   Videography
Nurlanbek Nyshanov   Composer,Contributor,Liner Notes,Artistic Director
Nurak Abdrakhmanov   Composer

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