CD Review: German & Claudia Khatylaev's 'Arctic Spirit: Music From The Siberian North - Sakha People'

German & Claudia Khatylaev
Arctic Spirit: Music From The Siberian North - Sakha People
Borealia

Hailing from Yakutia, Siberia, German and Claudia Khatylaev perform traditional folk music with authentic, native instruments celebrating epic stories, animals, shamanic themes, and issues of daily living. Specifically, the music highlights the Sakha (Yakutia) culture in northern Siberia. The native instruments tend to sound like their natural environment--reindeer galloping, bird noises, wind blowing, and animal mating sounds. The Jew's harp (khomus) is the national instrument and it is featured on several tracks. The kyryympa, a horse-hair instrument similar to Mongolia's morin khuur, is another celebrated instrument and important fixture in Sakha society. A variety of drums and other percussive instruments, including the dungur, dzhargha, and aiaan elucidate the primordial sounds of nature. Over one hour of music captures the sincere music of the region with a 36-page booklet detailing the songs and instruments used. Some of the songs are more melodic than others. Many evoke sounds and images of nature's splendor without resorting to boring or dull compositions. Claudia's throat-singing is very enticing and variable, depending on the desired effect. Anyone interested in Russian folk music, shamanic music, Central Asian music, Mongolian folk, or anything released on the Sketis label will love the soothing, intriguing, and rarely-heard sounds from Yakutia on Arctic Spirit... It is chilling in a good way. The album can be purchased at www.amazon.fr, www.priceminister.com, or directly by emailing me at: worldmusicman2002@yahoo.com. ~ Matthew Forss

CD Review: Lampa Ladino's 'En Este Mundo'

Lampa Ladino
En Este Mundo (In This World)
Sketis Music

Russian-based, Lampa Ladino, was started by Grigory Sandomirsky after listening to several records from Sephardic Jews and Ladino musicians several years ago. Ladino is a Sephardic language of Jews from the Iberian Peninsula. The melodies are typically sweeping, classical, jazzy, and also rock-focused (only on one track). For instance, a bit of rock guitar is found on "La Komida La Manyana." However, Judeo-Spanish rhythms win out with a host of songs incorporating Latin or Spanish elements with sorrowful vocals and plaintive piano. Though, a variety of percussion, horns, and string instruments are included throughout. There are classical and jazz elements that are rather spritely--and heavily influenced by Yiddish, Klezmer, and Gypsy song structures. The addition of the guitar, piano, and percussion provides a laidback lounge feel perfect for relaxing after a hard day's work. Fans of avant-garde, jazz, fusion, Sephardic, and Ladino music will be happy to own Lampa Ladino's latest release. ~ Matthew Forss