CD Review: Siberia's Vedan-Kolod

Vedan-Kolod

Dance of The Wood Spirits

Sketis Music

The historic epics and poems of the Slavic past are performed by Tatyana Naryshkina and Valery Naryshkin. All adaptations capture the historical significance of the music through a wide variety of folk music instruments. The songs are mostly folk with a dash of throat-singing and guitar music thrown in for good measure. Anyone with an interest in Siberia's folk music and instruments should find excitement and astonishment in the Russian melodies, lyrics, and musical arrangements. Liner notes in Russian and song titles in English. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Karelia's Va-Ta-Ga

Va-Ta-Ga

Mikuliny Gory

Sketis Music

Led by vocalist, aerophone player, and musical saw maestro, Aleksandr Leonov, Va-Ta-Ga blends traditional folk elements from the Republic of Karelia (Russia) with modern electronic elements. The music is not especially busy, which provides an easy listening experience. The Russian lyrics are present on some of the songs, but they are not particularly the main performance of the album. The music touches on fusion, ambient, avant-garde, folk, and shamanic styles. Fans of Siberian/Russian folk, Scandinavian music, and world fusion will find happiness in this music. Liner notes in Russian and English. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yat-Kha's Tuvan Rock on 'The Ways of Nomad'

Yat-Kha

The Ways of Nomad: The Best Of

Sketis Music

The Tuvan rock and throat-singing of Russia's Yat-Kha has been an iconic presence in the world of Tuvan music for the past two decades. Led by vocalist and guitarist Albert Kuvezin, Yat-Kha takes the world by storm with traditional instrumentation and electro-ethnic elements that are darkly inviting. The name of the group is coined after a Central Asian instrument. The vocal style of Kuvezin has been noted as kargyraa, which is basically a deeper, more growling version of the traditional form of Tuvan throat-singing. Importantly, not all of the songs center on throat-singing. The Ways of Nomad features hits from 1995-2003. Anyone with an interest in Tuvan folk, throat-singing, Mongolian, Central Asian, or Russian folk and rock music should own everything by Yat-Kha. Liner notes in English, Russian, and Tuvan. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Uch Sume R - 'Ymai' From Khakassia

Uch Sume R

Ymai

Sketis Music

Uch Sume R is a group of musicians that bridge the gap between historical and modern folk music from Khakassia in south-central Siberia. The second half of the album features the music of Khakassian singer, Alisa Kyzlasova. Uch Sumer is the second highest mountain in Russia, which borders three countries: China, Mongolia, and Kazakhstan. It also means 'three wisdoms' or 'three peaks'. The albums title, Ymai, is an ancient Turkic Goddess of motherhood, love and fertility. The lively songs are mostly traditional folk and throat-singing tunes that incorporate a range of local and regional musical instruments that provide an authentic and organic sound. Anyone looking for songs of the Altai mountain range, or Central Asia, will find Uch Sume R to be an outstanding addition to any collection of folk music. Liner notes in English and Russian. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Olchey's 'Shuga' From Tuva

Olchey

Shuga

Sketis Music

Shuga is a Karelian word for "a thin piece of ice at the water's edge". Interestingly, the Tuvan word for 'chuga' is "thin". Consequently, the folk music of Karelia and Tuva meet with glorious results. The throat-singing traditions of Tuva and electronic and natural sounds form the basis of Shuga's message. The music is closely reminiscent of Huun Huur Tu. There are only four songs that only add up to forty-minutes in length. However, the music is so entrancing that time seems to stand still upon first listen. The seemingly avant-garde melodies are a perfect mix for throat-singing and modern percussion and nature sounds. Anyone interested in the contemporary music of Tuva, or Russia's great North will find enjoyment in the songs of Olchey. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Sattuma's 'Kinofilmi'

Sattuma

Kinofilmi

Sketis Music

The modern folk music from Karelia is nicely performed by Sattuma. A group comprised of violin, bass, drums, bagpipes, clarinet, yoik chants, sax, flutes, accordion, mandolin, kantele, and bouzouki is sure to mesmerize all who listen. Songs are mostly written by the band. Liner notes include English, Finnish, and Russian commentary. The mostly male vocals and female backing vocals are very refreshing and engaging. The folk melodies are akin to any modern band coming out of Scandinavia, the Balkans, or Western Russia. The songs are surprisingly cheery and easy to sing along to. It is one of the best recordings to come across my desk over the past ten years. Kinofilmi is the soundtrack for the film called life. Own it today! ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Yarga Sound System - 'Live'

Yarga Sound System

Live

Sketis Music

Hailing from Northwestern Russia, in the Republic of Karelia, resides a band so engrossed with Russia's mystical and folk music, that Live is literally a soundtrack of Northern life. The electronic noises and sounds perfectly accompany a diverse repertoire of mbira, throat-singing, violin, kalimba, winds, loops, and dubs. It is not a particularly modern sound, but it does use some modern electronic wizardry to accent the folk elements. It is the ideal recording for listeners of aboriginal music, Scandinavian folk, and Russian folk with a slightly modern twist. Mostly instrumental, Live features something for everyone without any deleterious side effects. ~ Matthew Forss